Ready to tackle Imran, Qadri’s marches: Rashid

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Information Senator Pervaiz Rashid said Monday Imran Khan and Tahirul Qadri lack support of masses and that the government has finalized its arrangements to deal with both marches.

Rashid said the people of the country are not in the mood of protest but in the mood of picnic, adding if they come Islamabad for this purpose government would facilitate them, however, strict action would be taken against those who violated the law.

He said there was no threat for the incumbent government.

APP adds:

Talking to media in the Parliament House, he said: “There is no monarchy in Islamabad. Prime Minister is leading democratic government elected by people of the country through vote”.

The Minister said PTI chief Imran Khan and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief Dr Tahirul Qadri in the past had tried to establish monarchy through false referendum.

He said the Prime Minister chaired a meeting of party leadership in which present political situation was discussed.

Pervaiz Rashid said that the government has taken serious notice of Dr Tahirul Qadri threats in his speech and this connection Punjab government is taking legal opinion from its law department and the law will definitely take its own course.

He said Tahirul Qadri was using provocative languages in his speeches and inciting people towards lawlessness and aggression.

To a question, he said in the house of 342, 307 members are with democracy while only 35 people are using the way of aggression and protest.

He said the people of the country are not in the mood of protest but in the mood of picnic. He said people wanted to live with peace and the activities of people during Eid days are a proof of it.

He said the work on energy projects initiated by the government would soon produce good results. Presently the government is giving Rs. 380 billion subsidy on electricity.

The government was generating expensive electricity while supply it cheaper to people, he added.

The minister said the past governments had purchased faulty transformers, the Prime Minister had issued directives to purchase and import quality transformers.

Responding to a question, he said concerned departments are investigating and unearthing the account of Dr Tahirul Qadri whether the funds being collected in the name of charity are not being used for political purpose.

He said that Independence Day activities would start as per schedule.

To another question, Rashid said the PML-N would not be a part of no confidence move against KPK Chief Minister.

He said the government has not yet made final decision to grant permission for Azadi march on August 14.