ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal said on Sunday that all options are available for dispersing the Islamabad protest, adding that a security operation is the last option as the government will try to avoid bloodshed.
Addressing the media alongside State Minister for Religious Affairs Amin Hasnat Shah, Iqbal said the government will go “to any extent” to resolve the issue, including a security operation, adding that protesters blocking the Faizabad Interchange are engaging in a propaganda to incite emotions of the people.”Our forces have the capability to clear the area but we are keeping the operation as the last option. This is not a sign of weakness but we are doing this out of respect [for the matter of finality of Prophethood].”The protest has nothing to do with religion or religious demands and “such organisations” take these steps to advance ahead of elections, he said. “The protesters demand that Law Minister Zahid Hamid should step down; however, there is no proof that he is responsible for the mistake. A committee has been formed in this regard which will probe the matter so there is no justification for the protest,” he said.In response to a question, the minister said they have intelligence reports that some elements among the protesters want the government to take action so they can further their hidden agenda.
He added that the government is fully capable of countering the protesters but is choosing restraint.
The interior minister, began the news press by reiterating that the government firmly believes in the Khatm-e-Nabuwwat (finality of Prophethood) law, adding that Parliament and nation are united on the matter.
“It is settled forever [for Pakistan] that a person who doesn’t believe in the finality of Prophethood has no right to call himself Muslim. All political parties unanimously passed the law in this regard. There is no justification now for the protest to continue,” he said.Calling upon protesters once again to call off the sit-in, he said that he hopes they will agree to the suggestions made by the religious personalities included in talks, adding that now he himself is conducting contempt of court by allowing the protest to continue.
“I requested the court for more time all for good cause,” he said.
At present, negotiations between a select group of religious leaders and the protesters are under way.
The minister, along with others, has been engaged in negotiations with the protesters, who have occupied the key Faizabad Interchange of the capital for nearly two weeks, but failed to reach a breakthrough.
Trending
- Cleaners are the most important people of our society: Rai Muhammad Akbar
- Javed Badhanvi presides over an important meeting regarding the resettlement of 1989 refugees
- Illegal encroachments will not be tolerated under any circumstances: CEO Syed Ali Irfan Razvi
- Annual Siraj Al-Manira Conference holds at Masjid Hayat-ul-Nabi, Oldham, 2024.
- EKKE Rahman left Manchester on April 21, to reach Nepal, and after he will leave for Pakistan
- LIIBS 7th Edition, Unites Stakeholders for Collaborating for Growth
- Gwadar under water
- Broken Wings by Kahlil Gibran