National

Sheikh Rashid urges PDM to review long march date

ISLAMABAD, Dec 07 (SABAH): Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed urged the opposition alliance, the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), to change the date of the long march towards the federal capital.

While addressing a press conference at the interior ministry on Tuesday, Sheikh Rashid said PDM should not complain then if they face route closures during the march and added that the nation celebrates March 23, but the opposition has given a call for long march on the day.

Sheikh Rashid urged the opposition alliance to either hold their protest march before or after Pakistan as route closures on dates close to March 23 will also have a negative impact on the annual parade.

He added that most of the Corps’ Headquarters were on the GT Road, therefore some routes would be closed six or seven days in advance.

“They are promoting their company for the next elections. There will be no caretaker government, Prime Minister Imran Khan will complete his term,” he said.

“Everyone has the right to peaceful protest; however, the opposition needs to review its decision about the date of the protest,” he reiterated.

Referring to the brutal lynching of a Sri Lankan national in Sialkot, the interior minister urged society to collectively fight the menace of extremism in the country and said every citizen has a responsibility to raise their voice against extremism and terrorism.

“The law will take its course against the culprits involved in the incident,” the minister said while condemning the tragic incident.

He added that media has an important role in curbing extremism in society. “The extremist elements should not be given coverage by the media,” he said.

Sheikh Rashid said that in NA 133 by-election, PML-N candidate Shaista Pervez took only 10% of the votes. Maulana Fazlur Rehman has ulterior motives and can be a good singer only.

Sheikh Rashid further said that Imran Khan will be in a position to control inflation in 4 months, local government elections are also to be held in Punjab in 4 months.

Moreover, one year performance of government will be presented on December 14. Civil and military institutions are on one page and Imran Khan will complete the term, Interior Minister added.