Khattak, Shehbaz say force not to be used against protesters

ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Pervez Khattak said on Thursday that the government would not use force against protesters.

Khattak along with other government leaders met Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif over the issue of ongoing protests across the country.

“We have agreed that we will resolve this issue together and force will not be used,” Khattak told reporters after the meeting.

Khattak said Prime Minister Imran Khan had spoken the truth and informed people about the reality. “The prime minister had promised to be honest with the people.”

The defence minister is heading a committee formed by the government to hold talks to end the ongoing protests being staged across the country following the acquittal of Asia Bibi.

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court of Pakistan acquitted Asia Bibi, clearing her of blasphemy charges. Following the acquittal, protests were held across the country. Prime Minister Imran Khan said the Supreme Court’s decision in the case was constitutional and warned protesters against clashing with the state. 

Will not favour use of force: Shehbaz

PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb issued a statement over the meeting, stating the government’s delegation had informed Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif about the security situation in the country.

Shehbaz Sharif told the government delegation the honour of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) was the foundation of their faith. The PML-N president added that the supremacy of the constitution was the country’s base and institutions should not be humiliated.

Sharif advised the government to act in a mature manner and use a political strategy to defuse the situation.

"We will not favour the use of force in any case," Shehbaz was quoted as saying. "The future of the country belongs to our children and we will not let it fall prey to politics.

"The way Tehreek-e-Insaf used sit-ins in the past to provoke religious sentiments for the sake of political gains, the PML-N will not do that," he said.

The PML-N president also appointed Ayaz Sadiq as the focal person to keep him posted on the current situation.