No level-playing field for arsonists: PM Kakar.

ISLAMABAD -- Interim Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar has reassured that the caretaker government was committed to offering a level-playing field to all political parties, but refuted any notion that recent events should be forgotten or that arsonists should receive the same treatment as other political players.

In a tacit reference to the May 9 incidents, PM Kakar stated that it was not possible to provide a level-playing field and grant people a license to burn down everything just because they believe everything should be forgotten now that the caretaker government has assumed power. 'It cannot happen.'

Those thinking that the recent events can be forgotten and the arsonists should also be treated like other political players were mistaken, the caretaker premier made it clear.

While expressing hope that the date of the elections would soon be announced, he said that he couldn't do anything to create a level-playing field for a certain party, asking if everyone remembered the level-playing field of 2018 when the South Punjab front was formed.

The premier pointed out that maintaining social order was impossible if someone claimed to support democracy while threatening to burn down the parliament or assault the Prime Minister House.

The law doesn't see it that way, he stressed.Speaking hypothetically, he stated that if an individual were to burn down 10 Downing Street under the pretence of exercising democratic rights, and subsequently demanded their rights without facing legal consequences, 'I'll see how such an incident is responded' in the UK.

PM Kakar further questioned, "If JUI-F were engaged in similar actions, would the public perceive them in the same way they currently do for a political party?" In such a scenario, people would have branded them as radicals and called for military strikes with F-16 fighter jets.

He asked about the potential reaction if the PML-N, PPP, or any other party had carried out the same actions. 'Isn't it the rule of law that they [PTI officials] are being tried under procedures,' he questioned.

'No special treatment given to Nawaz'

PM Kakar also responded to criticisms surrounding the provision of a biometric facility to former premier Nawaz Sharif upon his return from London, arguing that no special measures were taken, as Nawaz was entitled to the same benefits as any other natural-born citizen.

"To present a normal database procedure as if there was no level-playing field" was incorrect, he stated.

...