Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, speaking on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos during an interview with CNBC, urged the Joe Biden-led US administration to recognize Pakistan’s significant role in global affairs and foster constructive engagement with the country.
In response to a query about Pakistan’s message to the Biden administration ahead of the February 8 polls, PM Kakar emphasized that Pakistan is not a country of concern but a country of consequence, deserving constructive engagement.
He highlighted Pakistan’s status as a mid-sized power and stressed the importance of acknowledging its actual potential and role, both regionally and globally.
Addressing the challenge of terrorism, the caretaker prime minister underscored the necessity of a regional approach. Regarding relations with China, PM Kakar affirmed the strategic closeness between Pakistan and Beijing, asserting that nothing can undermine their strong relationship.
On the topic of upcoming elections, PM Kakar reiterated that the general elections in Pakistan will proceed as scheduled on February 8, fulfilling a constitutional requirement. He expressed confidence that the elections would lead to a stable government, contributing to economic stability for the next five years.
In terms of the economic situation, PM Kakar mentioned the approval of a second tranche of $700 million by the IMF Executive Board under the $3 billion Stand-By Agreement. He outlined the caretaker government’s focus on economic revival, growth, and various economic indicators.
Additionally, he mentioned plans to publish a white paper on the caretaker government’s performance over the past four to five months, highlighting initiatives such as tax system reforms, an aggressive privatization strategy, and federal expenditure cuts. The prime minister emphasized ongoing efforts to engage with provinces for rationalizing spending.
