Safdar arrest episode a conspiracy: Chohan

LAHORE:

Punjab Information Minister Fayyazul Hasan Chohan, known for his outspokenness, has alleged that the purpose of the episode of PML-N leader Captain (retd) Safdar Awan’s arrest was not only to malign state institutions but also to bring them at loggerheads with the government.

He said during a press conference in Lahore that the armed forces have always supported the elected government, which was why despite the 126-day sit-in and rigging allegations had failed to bring down the PML-N government in the past.

Criticising IG Police Sindh Mustaq Meher, the minister said he had earlier been removed as CCPO Karachi by Supreme Court for not taking action against a group. He said it was a pity that the Sindh government was more worried about the sanctity of the IG and Safdar than that of the Quaid-i-Azam Mausoleum. He said not a single leader from opposition movement had offered an apology for the desecration of the mausoleum. Chohan also expressed doubts about PML-N’s allegation that police had broken into the room of its leader Maryam Nawaz.

He said the opposition was raising hue and cry to get an ‘NRO’ from the government, while the PML-N also wanted Maryam to be allowed to go abroad.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 23^rd, 2020.