Rashid disowns 'blackmailing' remarks about PML-Q

Federal Minister of Interior Sheikh Rashid on Sunday said he considered Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) leader Chaudhry Shujaat like a “brother” and will never make any statement against the PML-Q.

The minister’s clarification came a day after he accused the party of “blackmailing the government with five votes for the post of the chief minister” resulting in a strong backlash from the PML-Q leadership.

He was apparently referring to reports that the PML-Q – a key ally of the PTI both in the Centre and Punjab – was demanding of the government to replace Chief Minister Usman Buzdar with its senior party leader and provincial assembly speaker Pervaiz Elahi in return for foiling the opposition’s no-confidence motion in the lower house of parliament.

Speaking at an event in Islamabad, Rashid said he made comments about “4-5 votes” in a lighter vein but it “got people [from PML-Q] offended”. “I did not name PML-Q or Chaudhrys…it was just a general comment.”

“Shujaat is my brother… may Allah give him health…I will never speak against him,” he said, adding that those who will support Imran in the no-confidence vote against him will be respected by the nation.

Speaking further about his ties with Chaudhrys of Gujrat, Rashid said he owed a great deal to Chaudhry Zahoor Elahi and Khawaja Safdar. He said when he was imprisoned in a false murder case, Shujaat’s mother used to send him meals. “I have written these things in my books already,” Rashid added.

He said the federal government wanted to take its allies along, adding that in testing times, friends should stick to each other.

According to the minister, the premier was not going anywhere and will complete his five-year term. After the 15th, the position of Imran will be clearer, he said, adding that he will stand with the prime minister like a rock.

About the no-trust vote, Rashid said March 23-30 is an important week. He added that it was the prerogative of the National Assembly speaker to convene the session. He asserted that the ruling of the speaker cannot be challenged.

Rashid agreed to a question that the country was going towards “anarchy” instead of “democracy”. He urged the political parties to lower the tensions and reduce the bitterness.

Speaking about the rallies announced by the PTI and the opposition ahead of the no-trust vote, he said the ministry will decide about the venue if needed. The minister reiterated that he will crush those who would take the law in their hands.

Rashid said he has summoned FC and Rangers – paramilitary forces – for protection and will summon the military under Article 245 if required by the circumstances.