Staff Reporter
Islamabad
Prime Minister Imran Khan launched a scathing attack on his political opponent Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman, saying that the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F chief is trying to save his ‘sinking politics’.
The prime minister was chairing a session where the ruling party officials and government spokespersons were also present. Sources said that during the session, the JUI-F chief’s plan to march was also discussed.
In the meeting, PM Imran said that peaceful protest is everyone’s democratic right and the government will fulfill its responsibility to safeguard lives of the public.
Criticising the JUI-F chief further, the premier said that Fazl is unhappy with the reforms in Madrassahs, adding that if implemented, the reforms will be a hurdle in politicisation of students.
In the meeting, the PM also reviewed his upcoming visit to China and the progress on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects.
Meanwhile, commenting on opposition’s plan to launch a massive anti-government rally, Interior Minister Ejaz Shah on Friday said that first responsbility lies with the provincial governments to stop this march.
Speaking to news channel, the Interior Minister said there is Section 144 in Islamabad’s Red Zone. Police will stop protestors from entering the area.
He further stated that calling Army to control the situation will be the last option. Action will be taken against anyone taking law into his own hands.
Speaking to a private television channel, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi urged the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-F to reconsider its decision of marching on Islamabad on October 27. “Maulana has announced to protest in Islamabad on October 27, and it was October 27, when New Delhi took over the Indian Occupied Kashmir. This day is associated with the Kashmiri people. By protesting on this day, JUI-F will not only damage Pakistan but also the Kashmir cause.”
“Maulana is a respectable man. If on October 27, there is a debate over an issue other than Kashmir, then India will find exaggerate it,” warned the foreign minister
FM Qureshi further requested Maulana Fazlur Rehman to rethink his decision. “He can protest but his protest must not be merged with the matter of Kashmir.”
Meanwhile, speaking to the media, Railways Minister Sheikh Rasheed on Friday said the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government was not afraid of protests announced by Jamiat Ulema Islam-F chief Fazlur Rehaman.
He said the government would complete its five-year tenure, adding that the JUI-F leader would face resistance if he disrupts the political system.
Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Friday that the revival of Pakistan Steel Mills is a priority of the government, adding that the mills suffered heavily due to the negligence of the past governments.
Imran Khan was chairing a session related to the national steel mills, where he was briefed regarding options and methods for its revival.
The PM said that the mills have caused a heavy dent to the national coffers, terming the situation faced by the mills as criminal negligence. In the briefing, the prime minister was told that for the restoration of the steel mills, Russian and Chinese companies have shown interest. In May this year, the federal government agreed to place Pakistan Steel Mills on the privatisation list.
