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Thursday March 28, 2024

Imran’s decision no one’s victory or defeat, says Nisar

By Shakeel Anjum
November 02, 2016

ISLAMABAD: Lauding the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s decision to back down from Islamabad’s lockdown, Interior Minister Chaudry Nisar on Tuesday said he highly valued the decision of Imran, which is a victory forPakistan.

Addressing a press conference at the Punjab House, the minister said the truce between the government and the PTI leadership does not herald avictory, it is the victory of people of Pakistan,” said Nisar.

He said, "I will call it Pakistan's victory as Pakistan's victory lies in peace, democracy, rule of law and trust in our institutions.” The minister said that last few days were very bitter. If Imran had shown flexibility earlier, accountability process would have already been completed,” he said.

He goes on saying that when political opposition leads to political victimisation, it has harmful consequences for public and this situation is very alarming in its respective implications. "Being a government representative, I seek apology from public for inconvenience they faced during the last few days," said Nisar.

The minister said during last three and half years, the government never intended to obstruct protests by any political and religious organization. He said after announcement of PTI leadership to lock down the capital city, the government resorted to create hindrances on roads to avert any untoward incident and to contain this wrongful tradition to halt the federal capital.

No one could be allowed to march on Islamabad for pursuit of political maneuverings, said Nisar adding that mistrust was demonstrated on judgment of Islamabad High Court. “I hail decision of the judiciary to ensure implementation on law,” he said.

Commenting on allegations hurled against him, Nisar said that allegation of any individual does not amount to any judgment. He said he was frequently asked to listen to his conscience and was offered lucrative positions in power echelons but he always supported his party. “I will reveal each and every thing in a news conference,” Nisar maintained.

The minister said the PPP used to do criticism and everyone knows what they did in their rule. The nation has failed all the conspiracy theories and once again get united that will ultimately benefit Pakistan, said Nisar.

The minister welcomed Imran Khan's reaction to the Supreme Court proceedings and directions and said politicians should behave like this. The minister regretted that residents of the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi as well as people in some areas of Punjab and KP had to face difficulties due to political tension.

The minister also clarified that law enforcement agencies did not restrict Pakhtoons to enter in the federal capital but restricted a provincial government from making mess and chaos in the federal capital. KP chief minister set a false tradition for intruding federal capital with massive manpower, said Nisar.

Referring to the PTI's complaints that the government created hurdles in the way of its plan for sit-in, the interior minister said the government gave free hand to PTI to hold public meetings at F-9 Park. However, the government had to take measures when you declared your intention to lock down the federal capital.

The minister said the federal government blocked the way of KP government that was using official resources against the federation. He said blockade was not directed against Pakhtoons as similar measures were taken in some parts of Punjab as well.

Nisar said PTI is not the only party representing Pakhtoons as people of the province have also been reposing trust in ANP, JUI-F, and PML-N. He said contrary to misuse of official resources like cranes, lifters and masks by the KP government, the federal government disarmed police and allowed them to use only tear gas to disperse crowd.

The interior minister spoke high of Islamabad and Punjab police for ensuring rule of law and establishing writ of the state. He also acknowledged the positive role of Islamabad High Court and Lahore High Court for ensuring rule of law and supremacy of the constitution.

Nisar said the prime minister had asked the Supreme Court four months back to formulate its own TORs for investigations into Panama Papers. He said today's decision should have been taken four months back.

To a question, he said that three intelligence agencies and three other members chosen with consensus will investigate the matter of news leaks in a transparent way. He said that the FC is playing a vital role for the defence of the country and maintaining law and order. He said fifty percent increase in pay of FC personnel will be made from next month and fifty percent in the subsequent months to make them equivalent to the pay of the Islamabad police. He said the retirement age of FC personnel is also being enhanced up to 45 years.

He said similarly the scales of Islamabad police are also being upgraded. He said the scale of constables will be elevated from 5 to 7, head constables from 7 to 9 and ASIs from 9 to 11. He said it will cost 540 million rupees and prime minister has given approval in this regard.