LAHORE: Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal said on Sunday that political instability and mistrust in democracy would eventually hamper the process of progress and prosperity in the country.
Talking to media on Sunday, he said recent ‘political game’, orchestrated in Balochistan, would not certainly bring out positive developments for the province and the country.
“Is there any precedent in the world that a member having support of five MPAs only, ever have become chief minister?” he questioned.
He said Balochistan had been facing host of administrative and political issues and ‘upheaval’ in provincial assembly would somehow embolden some elements who were working against Balochistan interests. To a question, the minister said statement of Indian army chief was entirely irresponsible and his statement was a question mark on India. “Nuclear powers always show responsible attitude,” he added.
He said such statements were indeed an attempt to bring the country under pressure, adding in such circumstances, internal unity and cohesion was fully required. He said protests and sit-ins at this stage would also add to the problems.
Ahsan said it was an era of financial and economic development, but the country was facing sit-ins and protests, adding financial progress needed peace and stability in the country.
“Today’s Pakistan is far better than the Pakistan in 2013. What is the need of protests when just five months are left in elections?” he questioned.
The interior minister said it seemed one person would leave for Canada after creating instability with protests and sit-ins. “Whereas Imran Khan would set himself aside after using his shoulders. We will not allow anyone to play with the democratic process,” he added.
He said any postponement of Senate elections would create lot of problems. “Some elements are trying to sabotage Senate election,” he said, and added in case of dissolution of any provincial assembly, representation in Senate would be affected which would ultimately give a negative message.
He said in-time Senate elections were the Constitutional requirement and these elections should never be delayed.
To a question about Kasur incident, he said the government and law-enforcement agencies were striving for the arrest of culprits and all sources would be used to bring them to the justice.
He lamented that some politicians were apparently using this incident for their political agenda which was against political norms.
“If every institution works within the given limits by the Constitution, then there will definitely be no issue,” he said.
To another question about PTI chief, he said that Imran Khan had apparently become part of history due to his negative politics. “So he may not be discussed anymore,” he said.
Published in Daily Times, January 15th 2018.
