Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid on Thursday said holding a protest march on August 14 “would be against the spirit of Independence Day.”
Talking to a television channel, he said ‘agitational politics’ will create the impression that the Parliament is divided. “As mature politicians, political leadership should show a sense of unity,” he said, adding that bringing masses to the streets would allow terrorists the opportunity to achieve their aims.
Talking about Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s demand of opening of four ballot boxes, Rashid said it was the job of election tribunals. He accused the PTI of delaying the tribunals’ decision by having their lawyers seek adjournments.
To a question, he said resignations from the assemblies would be tantamount to running away from parliamentary politics.
Talking about the ongoing operation against militants, the minister said eliminating terrorism was in the interest of the entire region. “Anybody who does not accept the writ of the state will be eliminated.”
In a separate statement issued on Thursday, the information minister defended the Protection of Pakistan Bill, saying it would help eliminate terrorism, violence and sectarianism in the country.
He said by passing the bill, Parliament had proved the nation was united against terrorism. He added the unanimous passage of the bill from Senate showed ‘the seriousness and maturity of political parties’.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 4th, 2014.
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