Establishment was completely neutral & stood with the elected govt: Sheikh Rashid
ISLAMABAD, Feb 09 (SABAH): Minister for Interior Sheikh Rashid Ahmed on Wednesday said the opposition was in hot water after the Prime Minister successful visit’s to China, adding that they could not get required numbers for no-confidence against the government.
Talking to media persons, Sheikh Rashid said the opposition could not bring no-confidence motion against the government in last three and half years despite tall claims. The opposition could not defeat the government and the establishment was completely neutral and stood with the elected government, he said.
The minister said, next 50 days were very important in the politics but Imran Khan would emerge more powerful and victorious. The PM was going to Russia on an important visit after 22 years, he added. He said Iranian Interior Minister was also coming on February 14 while Australian cricket team would also visit Pakistan after long team for a series.
Regarding the opposition long march, he said that he was not sure about the opposition’s long march on 23rd of the next month as PPP, PML-N and Maulana Fazalur Rehman have different politics. The opposition has kept eyes on the government allies, he added.
He said our allied parties fully supported the government on recently passed finance bill in National Assembly.
Sheikh Rashid said Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Senator Faisal Vawda would move the Supreme Court (SC) over the disqualification verdict against him by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). The interior minister said Federal Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s brother, Umar Amin Gandapur, was also given a stay by the apex court yesterday. “There is no setback to the party. Faisal Vadwa will also move the SC in this regard,” he said.
The interior minister also chided the opposition for announcing to hold a long march on March 23. He asked them what “were they trying to achieve”.
“They are different for what you see them as on TV and in reality. I do not even see them in Islamabad on March 23. After such a long time, the Australian cricket team is coming to Pakistan. The OIC conference will also be held. What work do you have here? If you are so fond of bringing the no-confidence motion, then please do, you will only face defeat.” The minister confirmed that the J-10C fighter aircraft will perform a fly pass on March 23.
Sheikh Rashid maintained that there were 70 mega corruption cases in NAB and they have taken their time. The government would try to have the verdict of these cases announced during its remaining tenure, he added.
“Case of the PML-N leader Shehbaz Sharif and Hamza Shehbaz is the strongest. Shehbaz is more corrupt than Nawaz, that is why you see him being more active nowadays,” the minister claimed.
Regarding NADRA, the minister said that the network of its offices would spread to far-flung areas of the country. “Thirteen passport offices will be established in interior Sindh while the succession certificate facility will also be introduced in Azad Kashmir and Balochistan,” he said.
Referring to the premier’s announcement of increasing 15 per cent salaries of Rangers and FC, the minister said the Pakistan Coast Guard and Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts were also included in the appraisal.
“I have also requested the prime minister to increase salaries of other departments which includes bureaucracy as well,” the minister said.
He said thirteen passport offices will be established in Interior Sindh whilst succession certificate will also be introduced in Azad Kashmir and Balochistan.