Staff Reporter Islamabad
Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid on Monday announced a reduction in jail sentences of prisoners by three months on account of Eid Miladun Nabi.
Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, the interior minister said: “In the matter of Eid Miladun Nabi, the interior ministry is issuing a notification after the approval of the prime minister [and the] cabinet [whereby] all prisoners are being given relief of three months [in their prison sentences] — those prisoners who were convicted for any heinous crimes are not included in this.”
Besides, he said that the Capital Development Authority had done “fantastic arrangements” for the Ashra-e-Shan-e-Rehmat-ul-Lil-Alameen.
The interior minister also spoke on other topics such as the situation at the Afghanistan border, saying that the visa-on-arrival facility had been abolished and shifted to an online mechanism. He added that the visa fee was also being suspended till December 31 as a “goodwill gesture”.
“We are also issuing a five-year business visa,” Rashid said. Furthermore, the Integrated Border Management System would be rolled out to other areas as well including Badini and Ghulam Khan. With regards to the opposition, parties Rashid referred to the Pakistan Democratic Movement as a “dead political elephant”.
“Is there inflation [present]? Of course, it is. I’m not the minister who [denies] in front of you but you have to see that corona[virus pandemic happened], there were instalments to be paid of loans and debts,” the interior minister said.
Responding to a question, the interior minister said opposition figures had no sting left to them. “They are young engines but they are giving off smoke,” he added.
Referring to the announcement of protests by the opposition, Rashid said only a little time was left to the general elections so “if they want to fall down in a political ditch then may God have mercy on this country and nation’s situation.”
