Deluge and demonstration: Khawaja Asif blasts marchers for ignoring flood victims

Claims losses from month-long protests greater than the flood

SIALKOT: Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Sunday mounted a blistering attack on the opposition party protesters camped out on the streets of Islamabad for the past month, insisting that their actions were proving costlier than the ravages of the flood.

The organisers of the sit-ins, he claimed, were “not showing any mercy on people marooned by the flood and instead were continuing ‘Bhangara’ (dance) for undemocratic demands”.

At the same time, the government was mobilising all its resources and channels for the rehabilitation of flood victims, he added.



The minister, who also holds the portfolio of water and power, insisted there was no rift between the government and the army. Instead, they were enjoying very cordial relations. The army has supported the democracy and constitution throughout the protests.

He praised the army for successfully carrying out Operation Zarb-e-Azb in North Waziristan and stated it would continue until terrorists are eliminated from the country.

The minister directed the Sialkot district administration to take immediate steps for the removal of encroachments along the Aik and Bhed nullahs for ensuring the smooth flow of floodwater. He warned that no slackness would be tolerated in this regard.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 15^th, 2014.