LAHORE: Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid on Thursday lashed out at Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz for giving ‘irresponsible statements’ against state institutions.
Addressing a press conference in Lahore, the interior minister said asserted that by giving such blistering, irresponsible statements, the opposition was only adding to its difficulties.
He further said that transfers, promotions and postings in the armed forces were a routine occurrence and “targeting sensitive department was the height of irresponsibility”.
“Individuals represent institutions,” he said, adding, “You don’t become a corps commander without performing duties at tough terrains such as mountains and deserts,” speaking of former Director-General (DG) Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Faiz Hameed.
Talking about the Afghanistan situation, the Interior Minister announced that Pakistan would continue aid to Kabul, without caving under any pressure from the rest of the world. “Afghans are our brothers, and they are our neighbours,” he added.
The federal minister faded that as had been clarified by Prime Minister Imran Khan, once the world moves towards making a decision on Afghanistan, Pakistan would follow suit.
Speaking about the NAB ordinance approved by the prime minister, Sheikh Rashid asserted that it was a “legal step taken to remove objections raised by people and the business community.” He said it was a “calculated step” by the government, reiterating that it had been taken to facilitate people.
On the issue of Covid-19 vaccination, the minister said it was being made questionable deliberately, as part of a conspiracy. “Breaking news of the vaccination of the dead is also being aired. In doing so, who is being served?” the minister asked.
To another question, he commented that he foresaw a new alignment of the PML-N and PPP emerging close to the 2023 general elections.
In response to a question, Rasheed said it “has been proven” that India had a hand in New Zealand’s last-minute withdrawal from Pakistan. “I am saying this to you after a throough verification. The security personnel that we deployed for the New Zealand team were more in number than the soldiers in their army,” he added.
