PESHAWAR, Sep 22 (APP):Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar on Tuesday said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) long march towards Islamabad had no justification, adding that protesters having a track record of disruption and vandalism would not be allowed to enter the federal capital. “The nation is witness to the disruption and inconvenience caused to the general public by PTI workers during their previous rallies. On one occasion, a …
PTI’s long march unjustified, protesters won’t be allowed to enter Islamabad: Tarar
PESHAWAR, Sep 22 (APP):Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar on Tuesday said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) long march towards Islamabad had no justification, adding that protesters having a track record of disruption and vandalism would not be allowed to enter the federal capital.
“The nation is witness to the disruption and inconvenience caused to the general public by PTI workers during their previous rallies. On one occasion, a female media anchor even had to take refuge by climbing over a DSNG vehicle to escape from the protesters,” he said.
Addressing a press conference at the Peshawar Press Club, the federal minister said the Islamabad High Court had issued directions that no compromise would be made over disruption to the movement of people in the federal capital.
Former Governor KP, Iqbal Zafar Jhagra, Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) leaders including Ali Khadim Hussain, Ikhtiar Wali Khan and MPAs Tariq Awan and Jalal Khan, among others, were also present.
The Information Minister said country could not afford protests and long marches that disrupt routine traffic and economic activities, adding that such disruptions could cause losses of around Rs.120 billion to the national economy each day.
Referring to the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) protest, he said no major disruption or damage had been witnessed during its demonstration, whereas incidents of vandalism and damage to government property had been reported during PTI protests, he added.
The information Minister told newsmen that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and JI Central Amir, Engr Hafiz Naeemur Rehman had spoken by telephone, during which the prime minister apprised the JI chief about the relief worth billions of rupees being provided by the government to citizens through fuel price measures.
During the conversation, he said, the prime minister and JI chief discussed delaying the party’s long march, with the latter assuring that the proposal would be considered.
The JI chief also agreed to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif after his return from the foreign tour, the minister added.
Responding to a question about the government’s alleged lack of negotiations with PTI leadership, Attaullah Tarar said PTI leader, Barrister Gohar did not have the authority to take decisions on behalf of the party and ensure their implementation.
“Talks can be held with those who are authorised to take decisions and ensure their implementation by party members,” he added.
In response to a question about law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the federal information minister said the provincial government should provide details of the utilisation of Rs.105 billion it had received under the head of counter-terrorism.
He said billions of rupees had been received by the KP government over the last 12.5 years, but, according to him, no safe city project had been developed in the province.
Tarar also called for an audit of contracts relating to minerals, timber, tobacco and gold awarded by the provincial government during the last 13 years.
He said Members Provincial Assembly (MPAs) were receiving Rupees two billion annually for development activities, but the results of such spending were not visible in the province.
He said no significant initiatives had been taken by successive PTI governments in KP in development sectors or healthcare and industry, and said the people should hold the provincial government accountable for its performance during more than a decade in power.
Responding to a question about the detentions ahead of the PTI long march, Attaullah Tarar said the government had taken preventive measures under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) to avert any untoward incident.
He emphasised that acts of arson and vandalism could not be tolerated. If anyone wanted to protest, he said, they should do so in Peshawar to present their demands instead of travelling to Islamabad.
Regarding the country’s political climate, the federal minister said national politics had fallen prey to hatred and violence for the past 15 years.
He said political leaders should show respect for opponents and added that his party’s leadership had never directed anyone to use harsh language against political opponents.
