ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said on Saturday that his ministry has put the armed forces and the Inspector General of Police on high alert to prevent further incidents of terrorism.
Addressing a press conference, the interior minister said: "The small groups left after the Taliban defeated the NDS, RAW and 42 international forces, who were fighting in Afghanistan, want to create an atmosphere of terror in Pakistan."
According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs today, law enforcement agencies (LEAs) have been directed to exercise "extreme vigilance" following the recent terror incidents in the country.
The minister said there had been no talks with Daesh, a "small group" of the Baloch Nationalist Army (BNA).
He recalled that on January 18, two terrorists were killed in Islamabad in a gun attack on Islamabad Police, the responsibility of which was later claimed by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.
"After the terrorists were killed in Islamabad, we have got a way to reach the six members of the banned outfit," he said. He said he was not aware whether the BNA had claimed responsibility for the Lahore incident.
In response to rumors about the imposition of emergency and the imposition of emergency in Pakistan, he said: "There is a lot of uproar about the imposition of emergency and the presidential system, and I have even heard of a resolution being introduced in Parliament, but The cabinet of which I am a part has not seen any such proposal so far."
"We are ready to fight terrorism and are already investigating a suspect for his alleged involvement in the Lahore blasts," Rasheed said.
He said that as long as he is the interior minister, he will ensure that the obstacles do not return.
Imran Khan lucky to have 'incompetent opposition'
Speaking about the opposition, he said: "Prime Minister Imran Khan is fortunate to have an incompetent opposition."
"Prime Minister Imran Khan will complete his five-year term," he said. He said that those who believe that the government will leave, they have lost their mind.
Rasheed reiterated: "Neither we (government) are going nor they (opposition) are coming to power."
Speaking about his frequent warnings to bring a no-confidence motion, he recalled that 15 members of the opposition were missing when the government passed the Finance (Supplementary) Bill, 2021 in the National Assembly.
Taking a jibe at the opposition's claims, he said, "Now when you are talking of no-confidence motion, 25 members will disappear."
The opposition must reschedule its long march
Highlighting the upcoming Long March announced by the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), he said that the leaders of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) are coming to Pakistan and will be a part of the Pakistan Day parade on 23 March.
"Some roads in Islamabad will remain closed on March 21 and 22 as a security protocol for foreign leaders," he said, urging the opposition to reschedule their long march.
Rasheed said they should either take out their long march four days before or after the OIC meeting.