"Pakistan's Prime Minister Denounces Absurd Allegations of Election Manipulation by Military"

Pakistan's interim prime minister, Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, dismissed the possibility of the military manipulating the upcoming parliamentary elections, calling it "absolutely absurd." Kakar emphasized that the Election Commission, not the military, will conduct the vote, and he appointed the commission's current chief. He also criticized India for not holding a democratic referendum in Kashmir and discussed the need for changes in Afghanistan's Taliban government before any country recognizes it. Kakar acknowledged challenges in civil-military relationships in Pakistan and called for improving the performance of civilian institutions. He expressed hope to play a constructive political role in the future.