Crackdown launched on IHC orders: Ashan

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal Saturday said the crackdown on Tehreek Labaik Pakistan (TLP) protesters was launched on the directions of Islamabad High Court and the government was investigating the Tehreek leaders’ links with India.
Speaking to different news channel, Ahsan said the protesters were not innocent since they had ample resources.
"Do not mistake these people for innocents — they have resources which they are using against the state," he said.
Ahsan said the government had initiated the operation as per instructions of the Islamabad High Court (IHC).
"The protesters were given a plenty of opportunities to give up. The government is still ready to negotiate with them. There are certain conspirators who’re part of the sit-in protest.”
Talking to the PTV, he said the protesters were using the sensitive matter of Khatam-e-Nabuwwat for political gains. The protesters, he said, wanted to create unrest and chaos but the local administration tried to clear the occupied area.
He said Pakistan was fighting the war against terrorism and sacrificing a lot and appealed to the nation to keep distance from the elements spreading unrest in the country. He further said the government was taking all measures to stop extremism and unrest from spreading in the country.
He said the law on finality of Prophethood of Prophet (SAW) was stronger than ever adding that the government was doing everything it could to stop extremism and violence from spreading.
Meanwhile, the interior minister has ordered an inquiry into the cutting of surveillance cameras’ cables installed at Faizabad to monitor the sit-in.
According to a statement, the interior minister directed the chief commissioner to conduct an inquiry into the incident and furnish a report with him. The cables were cut off on Friday.