ISLAMABAD:
As the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) marched towards the capital, the government on Thursday drew a ‘red line’ for the protesters, warning that no one must enter the Red Zone where foreign embassies and key government installations are located.
“I want to say it loud and clear that the red line should not be crossed,” Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan told a news conference in Islamabad. “We have allowed both parties to hold their processions with certain conditions. No one will be allowed to breach the security of the Red Zone. If anyone tries to do that, the law will come into action.”
Nisar said the Lahore High Court has already ascribed limits for both the government and the protesting parties. The government is fully obeying the court’s orders, he said, and it is hoped that the protesters will also follow the rules.
The PTI has consistently called for the prime minister’s resignation, and the interior minister hinted that the PML-N government might be willing to concede to some demands of the protesters, with this one exception. “I think the government will have to take many steps now for transparency and strengthening the system,” Nisar said. “This is already being considered.”
Nisar repeatedly denied any involvement of the military in the current situation, saying the institution should not be dragged into political affairs.
The government has ‘tripled’ the Red Zone’s security, the minister claimed, saying it is a matter of the country’s prestige and international obligations to ensure that the Diplomatic Enclave is protected at all costs. Foreign missions are closely watching the situation in the capital and are concerned about their security here, Nisar said.
Asked how long the protesters would remain in the capital, the interior minister was cagey.
However, he assured residents of the twin cities that the government will strive to minimise inconveniences to them.
Once the protesters settle at a certain venue, the government will open all major roads, barring a few.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 15th, 2014.
COMMENTS (15)
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And if they cross it then don'r let them go back .
@Libra: Would you give money for all these changes? Your wish list is good. Tell me how you will get to 100% literacy rate? How and over how much period of time? How you will finance it and which dept you will cut the expenses to give money to education dept. Proposal is good but tell us the way also. Then one can discuss it further. I will wait for your answer if my comment pass thru the moderator.
Would there be following changes?
Literacy rate shall be increased to 100% Unemployment rate shall be decreased to at least half from now. Salaries and wages shall be increased by at least 30%. Load shedding shall go away and per unit electric shall be Rs. 2/- Terrorism shall end. Health facilities shall be available to everyone at an affordable cost.If not, then what? Mere change of face(s) is not needed.
And what your gullu butts are doing in gujranwala that is according to institutions.
@Ch. Allah Daad: You are learning fast and most probably also know of the Red Line the Sharif group must not cross before being arrested by the military High Command with or without the support of their COAS?
Rex Minor
@Prognosticator: Wait and see. Gallows are waiting for PML-N corrupt leadership.
PML-N has already crossed the red line. The days of Gullu Butt aka. PML-N days are numbered.
@Ch. Allah Daad:
I really feel your pain -- writhing like a slug with salt poured over it!
Your frequent nite meetings with COAS have worked well in your favour???
I am glad they are finally starting to consider the demands of public. Hopefully they will start considering with 1st demand to end the kingdom and return loot back to the nation.
One very scared vizier hurling threats
Ch Nisar wants to become Prime Minister and he knows this is his best chance. Take my words.
PAKISTAN IS AZAAD !! PAKISTAN IS FREE !!! THANK YOU MR.IMRAN KHAN !!! Wait a minute... why is everything the same? Has he announced date for next jalsa?
Both anarchists are on their way to conquer Islamabad. Red Zone means nothing for them.
Me. Home Minister, what about the security of common citizens of Islamabad? What are your plans to save them from hundreds of hooligans roaming in the streets?