Murad Saeed breaks silence over Mohsin Baig’s arrest

Minister says he was targeted with ‘vicious campaign’ for challenging status quo

ISLAMABAD:

 

Federal Minister for Communications Murad Saeed on Thursday broke his silence over the arrest of media personality Mohsin Baig for using derogatory language against him on live television.

The federal minister said that he had no say in how the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) proceeded following his complaint on remarks made against him during a television show last week, adding that he had acted according to law by registering a complaint and had no involvement in subsequent proceedings by the agency.

"As a Pakistani, who has confidence in the Constitution and law of Pakistan, I acted in a lawful manner. After that ... how the institution proceeded, it is its mandate. I shouldn't be asked about this," he said while replying to reporters' questions during a press conference in Islamabad.

Saeed also clarified that in his complaint, he had only referred to the television show during which the remarks were made and requested for legal action.

Saeed said: "I am addressing Pakistan's lower and lower-middle class ... the sordid campaign they are running [against me] shows where you [the middle class] stand in their eyes."

Without naming anyone, he said, "They will not let you rise. They will not give you [any] opportunities."

Saeed said he was being targeted through a smear campaign by those political leaders who are part of the status quo and never wanted young leaders like him to become part of parliament.

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Making an apparent reference to politicians from the opposition parties, Saeed said, "In their eyes, parliament and politics are their domain. Either landlords or their children can enter it, not someone like you and I."

He pointed out how he was active in helping his people during the wave of terrorism, and participated in movements for the restoration of judiciary and against Raymond Davis’ release. He added that despite the threats he received, he continued with his work.

The minister said that when he talks about injustice, either Qadir Patel, Hamdullah or Rana Sanaullah resort to inappropriate words.

Murad highlighted that his ministry had 88 targets, all of which were achieved.

"It was not that I woke up one morning in 2013 and made my way to parliament. I am the founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf's (PTI) student wing and turned it into the most powerful student force in Khyber Pakhtunkhaw in a very short span," he said, naming movements, such as the one for the restoration of the judiciary during the tenure of former military ruler retired General Pervez Musharraf, that he had participated in.

"I was beaten, jailed and threatened. But I endured it all," he said.

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