Fazlur Rehman totally ignored in recent meeting of PPP, PML-N: Sheikh Rashid

Islamabad: Responding to the opposition long march, Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad has said that PDM head Maulana Fazlur Rehman was totally ignored in recent meeting of main opposition parties Pakistan Peoples’ Party and Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N).

Addressing a press conference on Sunday, the minister said that they were not interested in march rather they wanted to remain alive in news. “Earlier, the opposition has planned to tender their resignation and now wanted to start a long march,” he added.

He said the current opposition was not in a position to bring no confidence against the government and the premier. Regretting over opposition’s attitude, he said it was fortunate that they were talking about chaos in the country even on Kashmir Solidarity day (February 5).

India doesn’t leave any opportunity to destabilize Pakistan

He also said that India did not leave any opportunity to destabilize Pakistan as the entire Indian media seemed to be restless during the Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit to China.

He said that over 70 to 80 thousands Pakistani people and personnel of our armed forces rendered matchless sacrifices in war against terrorism. Paying rich tribute to the sacrifices to the personnel of security forces, he said 20 terrorists were killed in 72 hours while nine solider embraced martyrdom in the terrorist attacks.

Doors for talks could not be closed with TTP

Regarding talks with banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) outfit, Sheikh Rashid said doors for talks could not be closed. However, he said those should not be spared who took weapons against State and our armed forces. Our valiant forces were responding to the terrorists in befitting manners, he added.

Rasheed said Pakistan has deep, cordial and brethren relations with Saudi Arabia and the Saudi interior minister would arrive in Pakistan tomorrow on a day-long visit. The government was making all out efforts to bring Pakistani prisoners languishing in jails abroad, he added.

He said interior ministers of Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain etc were also being invited to visit Pakistan. Meanwhile, Pakistani held in minor offenses could be released. Pakistani prisoners have already been brought from Turkey owing to the efforts of PM Imran Khan, he added.

Earlier, Federal Minister for Interior Sheikh Rashid Ahmed had said that no talks are going on with the banned TTP. Talking to the journalists regarding the current situation of Balochistan, the minister said, “We are prepared to deal with the law and order situation.” He also clarified that political people should be talked to in a political manner and those who take up arms should be dealt with by force. “Anyone who violates law will be dealt with iron hands,” he added. 

“The people should be treated on behalf of their acts. We are trying to bring everyone under the purview of the constitution and law but if anyone attacks on country's sovereignty then the answer would be given in the same manner,” Sheikh Rashid said.

The interior minister mentioned that if anyone will go against Pakistan Army or civil armed forces then it has to be answered. “No talks are being held with the banned TTP but our relation with Taliban is very good.”

“We have good relations with the Taliban and the prime minister is trying to get the world to help the Taliban financially,” he said.