Maintaining calm: ‘Force will not be used on peaceful protesters’

The minister said the government had never stopped anyone from protesting peacefully.

SHEIKHUPURA:

Minister for Defence Production Rana Tanveer Hussain said on Friday the government would not use force against participants of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) long march.

Addressing a ceremony at the Agriculture Development Bank, he said there was a democratic government in the country and no one would be allowed to derail democracy.

The minister said the government had never stopped anyone from protesting but no one would be allowed to damage public property.

He said those caught breaking the law would also be prosecuted.

He said the government would welcome talks with Imran Khan and Tahirul Qadari. The minister said the government had taken significant steps to improve the economy of the country.

He said agriculture was the backbone of the country’s economy.  Tanveer said the government had evolved a comprehensive strategy to end terrorism and the energy crisis.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 9^th, 2014.