Rashid warns PDM, TLP against creating law, order

Interior minister says govt can’t expel French ambassador at TLP’s demand

ISLAMABAD:

Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid said on Thursday that government could not expel the French ambassador Pakistan at the demand of the banned Tehreek-e-Labbaik, Pakistan (TLP) and warned that if anyone tried to take law into their own hands, the law would take its own course.

Talking to media persons after attending the passing-out parade and launching of air patrolling unit of Islamabad police, the minister said that at present there was no restriction on any political activity but stressed that maintaining law and order was the responsibility of the state.

“Whether it is the PDM [Pakistan Democratic Movement] or the TLP, neither should do anything to take the law in their own hands,” the interior minister warned, while referring to the planned protests. “The law will take its course if they try to take the law into their own hands,” he added.

Rashid said that the opposition had been protesting for the last three years, and now they are playing it on Friday. “Tomorrow [today] will be first protest and I’m happy that the PDM has chosen my city [Rawalpindi]. “I tell them to protest with great enthusiasm but don’t take the law into their hands.”

He added that the French ambassador “cannot be expelled” on the demand of the banned TLP. “Expelling the French ambassador means that we leave the European Union (EU),” he said. “Whether it is TLP or the PDM, they should not do anything … to create law and order situation,” he added.

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The minister said that the media is free as an open political discussion continues in the media. “Our politicians are getting that much coverage in the mainstream media, which is not possible anywhere in the world. Pakistani media is playing an important role in educating people,” he added.

According to the interior minister, the country currently faced problems, including the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list issue. “All these issue will be overcome. If anyone thinks that Prime Minister Imran Khan is unaware of these problems, he is completely wrong.”

Rashid said that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government was successfully running the affairs of the state and it would complete its tenure. “Prime Minister Imran Khan is so lucky to have got such incompetent and ineffective opposition,” he said.

Commenting on the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML), the minister said that the opposition party was already divided in ‘N’ and ‘S’ factions but a third faction might emerge as soon as the next general election come closer. He added that new alliance would emerge when the elections come.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Rashid called on Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday and discussed the law and order and political situation in the country. According to a Radio Pakistan report, the Afghanistan situation was also discussed in the meeting.

(WITH INPUT FROM APP)