Sheikh Rashid urges all disgruntled PTI MNAs who have sought refuge in Sindh House ahead of no-confidence motion to return


ISLAMABAD, Mar 18 (SABAH): Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed on Friday urged all disgruntled PTI MPs who have sought refuge in Sindh House ahead of the no-confidence motion to return, assuring them that no action will be taken against them. Sheikh Rashid has also requested the all coalition partners to support Prime Minister Imran Khan. Sheikh Rashid said he knew MQM from his young age so he could only request MQM to stand with the prime minister.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad following a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) consultative meeting with PM Imran Khan, he claimed that the political situation that was worsening a few days ago is now moving towards “stability.” “I appeal all sellouts to comeback and fight according to the constitution,” he said.

He further said that keeping in view the ongoing political situation in the country, a summary regarding the imposition of the governor’s rule in Sindh was presented to Prime Minister Imran Khan today but no decision has been taken yet on it.

“Ten days from March 24 to April 3 will witness heightened political activity in the country,” Sheikh Rashid said, adding that therefore 2,000 Rangers and FC personnel will be deployed in the federal capital.

Highlighting the challenges, he said the interior ministry has immense responsibilities because of the two political rallies to be held on March 25 and March 27.

The interior minister asked the disgruntled PTI lawmakers to consult with their constituents on what they thought about their decision of abandoning the party.

“I appeal to them to return to PTI,” he said. “All those who have been sold should return to the party,” he added, assuring them that “no one will say anything to you”.

“If they did not return to the PTI, the MNAs would regret their decision,” Sheikh Rashid said, adding that legal details will be revealed by the Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry as the government is taking the matter to the court.

The minister said that the government has the same information that has been reported by the media. He said that the same would be taken to the Supreme Court of Pakistan and the reference will be based on it.

Sheikh Rashid once again urged the disgruntled members to return, questioning them why are they hiding. Comparing the Sindh House in Islamabad with Pakistan Foreign Exchange (PSX), he said that the government would not conduct a raid on the building. “I hope that MQM-P will support PM Imran Khan,” Sheikh Rashid said.

Taking a jibe at the Opposition, Sheikh Rashid said that they talk about forming a national government and challenged them to do so. “Imran Khan would make your lives difficult,” the minister told PML-N President Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, who a few days ago had proposed a national government sans PTI.

“PM Imran Khan should be given a chance, he would bring change in the country.” He went on to say that his job is not to convince anyone, it is PTI’s job.

“I’m not going to convince anyone, everyone would make their own decision,” he said, adding that no one is threatening anybody. Sheikh Rashid said that the international investors don’t want Pakistan to have an independent foreign policy.

Speaking about Pakistan Democratic Movement’s (PDM) rally on March 25, he said that we should decide the route mutually. He further added that he has asked DC Islamabad to discuss this issue with the organisers of the Opposition and PTI.

Sheikh Rashid said the country cannot afford political confrontation in view of its economic situation. The Interior Minister said the entire nation stands behind Prime Minister Imran Khan who will bring change in the country.

Sheikh Rashid said presidential security is being given to the Australian team and in view of current situation, it has been decided to shift their four matches to Lahore.