ISLAMABAD: Federal Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed on Monday urged the Pakistan Democratic Movement to postpone its long march on Pakistan Day (March 23) and said he was suggesting it because of the threat related to terrorism, Geo News Reported.
Speaking during a session of the Senate in Islamabad, the minister said the opposition may choose to continue with its long march, but he would suggest rescheduling it. "Both Prime Minister Imran Khan and I love this country as much as you (opposition), but remember that there is a threat of terrorism on March 23," he said.
The minister said he was "not afraid of the PDM's long march, but the menace of terrorism," adding that martyr Benazir Bhutto was also asked not to take out a procession in Rawalpindi due to security reasons, but despite warnings he was not afraid of it. Went on together."
He said that on March 23, foreign ministers of Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries will attend the Pakistan Day parade, therefore, "half of Islamabad will be under [government] control and jammers will be installed there."
"How will the opposition [mark its influence] under such circumstances?" The minister questioned. Mr Rashid said he would suggest the "PDM show strength in Islamabad on March 17 or 27."
Speaking about other matters, the Interior Minister said that India never wanted Pakistan to have good relations with Afghanistan, adding that, "The Indian spy agency Research Analyst Wing (RAW) is using some Pakistanis and they Paying 25 lakhs to work against Pakistan."
He said the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) and Daesh are present in Balochistan. Highlighting talks with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban, he said the government is "not in the process of holding talks with the TTP".
"Those who make strong demands and challenge the integrity of Pakistan, the state will deal sternly with them," he said. Mr Rashid said the government would not allow terrorism of any kind in the country, adding that "the opposition also stands with us on this serious matter."
"We want a narrative against terrorism," he said. He also reaffirmed the government's commitment to safeguard the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and said that "the government of Imran Khan will fulfill its commitment on CPEC." He said the government had arrested the terrorists involved in the Dasu and Gwadar attacks (in which Chinese employees lost their lives).