He said the people who had been involved in the riots were behind the bars. “It is not that the innocent people have been picked up for their political opinions and they have been denied a political role.” The prime minister pointed out that the former PTI Chairman had all rights to say that he was jailed because of his political opinion but let the court decide the issue. He said the matter would not be decided by any individual, media or any other group but the courts would address all these issues. To a question of free and fair elections, PM Kakar said before holding of elections, no one can question the fairness of the process. “Let the election happen as there will be international observers, the international media and other watchdogs to report whether the elections held in free and fair manner or not.” As regards the media independence in Pakistan, the prime minister said even the Western media was under more stricter regulations that in Pakistan. With respect to the regional issues, he said Pakistan did foresee that there would be implications for the country after the withdrawal of the US and NATO forces from Afghanistan and that was why Pakistan was advocating for a responsible withdraw. The focus of world powers was no more Afghanistan now as it was an abundant project for them. “But for us it had a real time tangible implications particularly when the gadgets which were given to the Afghan republic Army were sold in the black market. He feared that it would also have implications in the larger Middle East. The prime minister said Pakistan needed to enhance its capacity of counter terrorism. “We also need to encourage that Pakistan can become a viable economic entity and a viable democracy at the same time.” He said Pakistan also needed that its role should be acknowledged and appreciated. To a question about Pakistan’s relations with China, the prime minister said the two countries had very close relations both strategically and historically. He said the bilateral relations with China will not be affected no matter what happens in the region.
