Minister hints at role of other parties in vandalism

Shehryar Afridi says those who took law into their own hands will not be spared

ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Afridi has made it clear that the federal government will not show any leniency to those who broke the law during the protests that erupted after the Supreme Court absolved a Christian woman Aasia Bibi of blasphemy charges last week.

“National security is of paramount importance. No compromise will be made in the matter of those who took law into their own hands,” Afridi said on Thursday while giving a policy statement in the Senate about the government’s handling the recent protests.

Afridi hinted at possible role of the activists of the mainstream political parties in damaging property during the protests spearheaded by the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).



“There have been reports about involvement of some political workers [of parties with representation in the parliament] in these incidents. Those who took law into hands would be made an example. Action will also be taken against them, even if they are found to be part of parliament.”

The minister said footage of protesters, who resorted to vandalism and arson, have been sought from the authorities like the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the National Database Registration Authority (NADRA) and law enforcing agencies (LEAs).
He said footage of those involved in riots, were monitored and assessed along with a TLP team and thorough investigation was underway against unruly elements for damaging public and private property

“[On the basis of these investigations] some arrests have been made, while more will be materialised in the days to come. A proper legal framework has been worked out and arrests are being made after complete homework.”

Afridi lauded the government’s efforts for ending the three-day long nationwide protests without bloodshed. He reiterated that all political parties were on the same page during the protests.

“The government dealt with the protests without use of force and by taking into confidence the leadership of political parties. In Naya Pakistan, we cannot use force against those surrendering before the law. We would engage them to remove their reservations,” he added.
He defended the government’s deal with the TLP protestors, adding that the deal was made after viewing all legal aspects. “It is the right of the aggrieved party to submit a review petition after court’s verdict while it was agreed to look into the matter of putting Asia Bibi’s name on the Exit Control List.”

He pointed out specific flaws in criminal justice system and said it was unfortunate that those talking about national security at present, did nothing in their tenures to remove lacunae in the law.

He urged the parliamentarians to demonstrate responsible attitude during debate on security-related matters. “A line should be drawn for all parliamentarians including us in debating sensitive issues because we cannot afford anything against the country,” he added