Interim PM Kakar says Indian Hindutva expansionist designs dangerous for global peace

New York: Interim Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Friday claimed that the Indian government’s Hindutva expansionist designs were extremely dangerous for the regional and the global peace and security.

The premier referred to India's role in the killing of a Sikh leader on Canadian soil and stated that while Pakistan has long been directly impacted by Indian plans, the latest Hindutva wave had also frightened Western capitals.

In an interview with PTV here, on the margins of the UN General Assembly, the PM stated that Pakistan would continue to raise this important matter and that it has already brought it up with the UN secretary-general in relation to Indian plans and targeted assassination in Canada.

According to Kakar, Indian active engagement in Pakistan was clearly demonstrated by the capture of Indian spy Kulbhushan Yadav in Balochistan.

The problem posed by terrorism can be overcome, according to the prime minister of Pakistan.

He added that Pakistan was closely coordinating with the other nations in the area, particularly Afghanistan, in this regard. "We are proud of our military that has developed the capability of eliminating terrorism," he said.

He claimed that the rise of terrorism had caused great alarm and anxiety throughout the entire area.

The prime minister stated that Pakistan was a sovereign and independent nation in response to a query on relations with China, adding that "We enjoy deep-rooted and all-weather friendship with China, and it will remain intact in future." Anyone who believes that we will build relationships with any nation at China's expense is unable to comprehend Pakistan's legitimate interest in China.

He said Pakistan had also friendly relations with the US and other Western countries in diverse field. A huge number of effective Pakistani community is living in the US that is playing key role in furthering bilateral relations.

Speaking of his recent meeting with the head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), PM Kakar said that she expressed her satisfaction at learning about the Pakistani government's rigorous measures against currency hoarders and smugglers in the nation. He emphasized that the IMF merely wanted to see the country's economic condition improve and that they needed confirmation that the money they were giving the country was in good hands.

According to the prime minister, the government of Pakistan's plan for economic revitalization includes tax changes, improvements to the tax net, steps to increase revenue collection, efficient privatization procedures, and reforms in the electricity sector. He claimed that the economic recovery plan for Pakistan has received praise from all multilateral financial institutions.

He expressed the hope that due to the government’s crackdown on the electricity theft, the utility bills would gradually reduce in the coming days. He said power sector reforms were extremely necessary as without it, the overall economic structure could not be improved.

With respect to the pledges made in last year’s donor conference held in Geneva for reconstruction and rehabilitation of the flood affected areas of Pakistan, PM Kakar said pledges of almost $10 billion were made by various countries and financial institutions. He said called upon the international community to fulfill the pledges as soon as possible so that the projects of reconstruction in the flood affected area could be materialized.

Replying to a question regarding the general elections in Pakistan, the prime minister said the caretaker government’s key responsibility was to facilitate the Election Commission of Pakistan to ensure smooth, free and fair elections.