Snap polls must to keep situation under control: Rashid

Former interior minister says he can convince Imran Khan to postpone protests if elections are held prior to May 31

Former federal interior minister Sheikh Rashid on Tuesday urged those at the helm of affairs to organise snap elections or the prevailing political situation could result in a deepening of the crisis.

"I appeal to those at the helm of affairs and the establishment to hold elections as soon as possible," Rashid said, adding, "If that isn't done, the situation may not remain under Imran Khan's control anymore."

The former federal minister further said, "There's just one demand and it is to hold the snap polls," adding that a conspiracy was afoot and so the circumstances should be kept under control, Express News reported.

He went on to say that a long march, if held, could turn bloody, and a solution to the worsening situation should emerge before May 31.

Also read: Rashid vows to stand with Imran if there’s ‘war with institutions’

"If elections are scheduled for a time prior to May 31, I can talk to Imran Khan [to postpone the march]," the Awami Muslim League (AML) chief said.

Rashid added that he could talk to the establishment once the former premier agreed to it, but warned, "there shouldn't be any conspiracy in these circumstances; elections must be held transparently."

A day earlier, the former interior minister said that if there was a war with institutions, then he would stand by Imran Khan like a rock because he considered him to be on the right side.

He also made it clear that he did not want democracy to end and the only way to avoid that was by holding early elections.