ISPR statement issued after govt approval: Nisar

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said on Friday that the ISPR statement was released after consultation with him and was approved by the government.

“The statement came to me first and it was shown to the prime minister who approved it,” Nisar told reporters.



The interior minister held a news conference after the ISPR released a statement saying that COAS had been asked by the government to play facilitative role for resolution of current impasse.

Nisar said the ISPR used the word ‘facilitative’ which is in the circle of the constitution. He said the military’s statement reflects the stance of the government.

The interior minister made it clear that the government did not make anyone ‘mediator and guarantor’, adding those who use army for their political gains created the misunderstanding.

APP adds:

Nisar said despite his clarification unconstitutional color and shape was being given to a meeting between the army hierarchy and the government on Thursday.

Interior Minister said that army was already in Red Zone under Article 245 to fulfill its responsibility and uphold decision of the Supreme Court. Few thousand protestors wanted to impose their will on democracy and rule of law including resignation of Prime Minister and Chief Minister Punjab, he added.

He said no government in future would work if tradition of gathering people in the capital and practice of making women as human shield continue, adding such things are not acceptable in a civilized society.

Interior Minister said Imran Khan was not accepting the government offer of a commission to investigate rigging allegations, jirga of ally parties and parliamentary committee for resolving the issue peacefully.

He said government had already accepted five demands of Imran and one demand of resignation was made conditional to findings of the commission.

He questioned how could Prime Minister resign without verification of allegations. Interior Minister said it was responsibility of the government to protect life and property of people and warned that protestors would be responsible if any mishap happened.