Rashid urges PDM to review long march date

PDM has announced a long march on Pakistan Day

ISLAMABAD:

Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid urged the opposition alliance, the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), to change the date of the long march towards the federal capital,

The minister said PDM should not complain then if they face route closures during the march and added that the nation celebrates March 23, but the opposition has given a call for long march on the day.

Rashid urged the opposition alliance to either hold their protest march before or after Pakistan as route closures on dates close to March 23 will also have a negative impact on the annual parade.

He added that most of the Corps' headquarters were on the GT Road, therefore some routes would be closed six or seven days in advance.

"They are promoting their company for the next elections. There will be no caretaker government, Prime Minister Imran Khan will complete his term," he said.

"Everyone has the right to peaceful protest; however, the opposition needs to review its decision about the date of the protest," he reiterated.

Referring to the brutal lynching of a Sri Lankan national in Sialkot, the interior minister urged society to collectively fight the menace of extremism in the country and said every citizen has a responsibility to raise their voice against extremism and terrorism.

"The law will take its course against the culprits involved in the incident," the minister said while condemning the tragic incident.

He added that media has an important role in curbing extremism in society. "The extremist elements should not be given coverage by the media," he said.

The minister also expressed confidence that the government would be able to control inflation in the coming months.