Iqbal sees sit-in culture a conspiracy against fair vote

Interior minister tells opposition alliances to wait until govt completes tenure

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal on Wednesday said that culture of sit-in politics wreaked havoc on the country’s economy and democratic norms and called it a conspiracy against the holding of free, fair and transparent general elections.

Talking to reporters after attending the 33^rd annual general meeting and conference of the Pakistan Society of Development Economists (PSDE), he asked all political forces to work together to put the country on path to economic development and social prosperity.

“Only five months are left in general elections and at this stage some elements are trying to sabotage the whole process of holding the election in a peaceful, free, fair and transparent manner,” he said, adding that conspirators were also trying to impede the Senate election.



He said that the opposition had constantly been abusing the government, and that multiple groups were being formed against the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). “Those busy forming opposition alliances can wait until the government’s tenure is complete.”

The interior minister stressed the need for holding the coming general election on time and strongly opposed the idea of prolonging the tenure of interim setup, saying that any such move would affect the credibility of the vote.

“All the political parties should strive for ensuring the election on time for the transfer of powers to the next elected government for a second time, according to the law and the Constitution of the country,” he said.

“Timely election in a free, fair and transparent manner and the transfer of power to the next elected government will send a positive message to world,” he added.



Replying to a question, he said the government was reviewing the legal aspects of a decision to place the name of former finance minister Ishaq Dar on the exit control list (ECL). “Law is above everyone,” he said.

At the same time, however, he appreciated the services of Dar and said that instead of humiliating him, his services for the country should be recognised. “The whole world appreciates his work and contribution [to national economy],” Iqbal said.

Talking about the situation in Karachi, the minister warned those attempting to disturb peace in the metropolis would be punished. About the Baldia factory fire accused Hammad Siddiqui, he said Siddiqui would be brought back to Pakistan after completing all legal formalities.

When asked about the delay in tabling of the Bill on reforms in the Federally-Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) in the National Assembly, the minister replied that the government wanted to create consensus by bringing all political parties on board on the reforms.

He added that besides Fata, the government was also working to provide similar rights to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.

The minister said that fluctuation in the dollar rate was due to increasing trend of petroleum prices and some adjustments made in the local market. He, however, added that the situation would improve in the coming days. He hoped the fluctuation would benefit the exporters.