Balochistan ‘political game’ draws minister’s ire

Ahsan wonders if anyone with backing of just five MPAs ever became CM

LAHORE: Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal has said political instability and mistrust in democracy will eventually hamper the process of progress and prosperity in the country.

Talking to media on Sunday, he said recent 'political game', orchestrated in Balochistan, will not certainly bring out positive developments for the province and the country.

"Is there any precedent in the world that a member having support of five MPAs only, ever have become chief minister?" he questioned.



He said Balochistan had been facing a host of administrative and political issues and added that the 'upheaval' in the provincial assembly would somehow embolden some elements who were working against Balochistan interests.

Responding to a question, the minister said the statement of the Indian army chief was entirely irresponsible which did create doubts about India and it was a question mark on India.

"Nuclear powers always show responsible attitude," he added.

He said such statements were indeed an attempt to bring the country under pressure, adding in such circumstances, internal unity and cohesion was fully required.



He said protests and sit-ins at this stage would also add to the problems.

Ahsan said it was an era of financial and economic development but the country was facing sit-ins and protests, adding financial progress needed peace and stability in the country.

He said today's Pakistan was far better than the Pakistan in 2013.

"What is the need of protests when just five months are left in the elections?" he questioned the opposition parties.

The interior minister said it seems one person would leave for Canada after creating instability with protests and sit-ins, whereas Imran Khan would set himself aside after using his shoulders.

"We will not allow anyone to play with the democratic process", he added.



He said any postponement of the Senate elections would create lot of problems.

"Some elements are trying to sabotage the Senate elections," he cautioned and added in case of dissolution of any provincial assembly, representation in the Senate would be affected which would ultimately give a negative message.

He said in-time Senate elections were a constitutional requirement and the elections should never be delayed.

To a question about the Kasur incident, he said the government and law-enforcement agencies were striving for the arrest of culprits and all sources would be used to bring them to the justice.

He lamented that some politicians were apparently using this incident for their political agenda which was against political norms.

To a question, he said: "If every institution works within the given limits by the Constitution, then there will definitely be no issue."

To another question about the PTI chief, he said that Imran Khan had apparently become part of history due to his negative politics, so he may not be discussed any more.

The minister said that if a politician was unable to run the local bodies system in his province, then how he could run a country.