QUETTA: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar on Tuesday reiterated that under existing laws, the government has the authority to ban and terminate individuals or entities, clarifying that the government operates within the framework of law, neither portraying itself as villains nor heroes of human rights.
He underscored the importance of upholding the rule of law, rejecting any attempts to justify violence under the guise of human rights.
Speaking to students in Quetta, PM Kakar engaged in a comprehensive dialogue, addressing key issues ranging from education and youth empowerment to political stability, terrorism and immigration.
He addressed the formation of militias based on language, religion, and race, asserting that such actions lack justification and the Constitution did not allow it.
PM Kakar emphasised that the Constitution allows participation in National and Provincial Assembly elections to voice concerns and grievances without resorting to violence. He highlighted the upcoming elections on February 8, urging citizens to engage in the democratic process by submitting nomination papers and expressing their views through legitimate political channels.
Regarding violence, the caretaker prime minister asserted that the state will determine whether violence is justifiable or not. He pointed to the actions of banned organisations, such as BLA and BLF, stating that their activities involve torture and killings. He underscored the government’s responsibility to address violence and maintain law and order.
PM Kakar drew attention to incidents where human rights concerns were not widely raised, questioning the selective nature of such advocacy. He cited examples, including the recent murder of a young Baloch individual and the tragic burning of 15 people on the coastal highway. He challenged the inconsistency in human rights responses, particularly in cases involving labourers from Rahim Yar Khan.
Earlier, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar said that the governance structure of Balochistan was being streamlined through multiple initiatives taken by government including reforms in bureaucracy.
Addressing a press conference in Quetta on Tuesday, he said that deputing a blend of upright and hard-working bureaucrats from civil service as well as from the provincial structure was vital to resolve the chronic and complex issues faced by the province.
Anwaarul Haq said, “Our issues are linked with the bad governance, that has been badly affecting the performance of the province for the last few decadesâ€. On the request of the Balochistan government, he deputed a competent bureaucrat Shakeel Qadir Khan along with a team, to ensure meritocracy and to streamline the overall structure of bureaucracy.
The prime minister said he specifically instructed the team to fully support the Chief Minister and the provincial government in this regard.
