Time for money-laundering over, says Sheikh Rashid

The newly-appointed interior minister tells opposition its rallies will not harm govt

ISLAMABAD:

Newly-appointed Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said on Friday the time of loot of national wealth and money laundering would be over soon, and warned that the opposition parties should forget that their rallies could even shake the government.

In a maiden press conference as the interior minister, Rashid criticised the opposition, saying that it wanted to spread chaos in the country. He warned that the country was in danger from within, as big terrorism network had been caught the other day.

“Our enemies are providing financial support to create chaos and anarchy in Pakistan. A gang of terrorists was busted in Shahdara yesterday,” he said, adding that such elements would not succeed in their nefarious designs.

Regarding the opposition rally under the banner of 11-party Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), the minister said there were no restrictions on holding a gathering in Lahore but they would fail in their designs to spread anarchy in the country.

“There is no threat to the government from the opposition rally in Lahore. All efforts to damage the country’s economy would fail,” he said, adding that Prime Minister Imran Khan would succeed in his mission to steer the country out of all challenges.

“No matter how many rallies the opposition holds, the government will not be harmed. The opposition wants end to the politics of truth in the country. The opposition wants to protect their plundered money and get rid of the cases registered against them, he said.

Unveiling his priorities as the interior minister, Rashid vowed to introduce the latest border management system and action against drug traffickers and ‘Qabza Groups’. “Era of plundering national wealth and money laundering will completely end now,” he said.

Responding to a question, he said that all-out efforts were being made to bring former prime minister Nawaz Sharif back from the UK. However, he added there were some legal issues which were being sorted out.

Responding to another question, the minister said that missing persons issue would also be resolved. He said inflation was witnessing a downward trend and price of sugar has reduced. He expressed hope that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) would also win the next general election.

With input from APP