Islamabad
A twelve-member committee was formed Saturday evening to play mediatory role between government and the proscribed Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) to diffuse tense political situation of country, Minister for religious affairs and interfaith harmony Noor-ul-haq Qadri announced Saturday after attending the meeting between Prime Minister Imran Khan and prominent religious clerics of brelvi school of thought.
According to media reports, religious scholars met Prime Minister Imran Khan here to on Saturday evening to discuss way-forward to avoid chaos and any unwanted scenario in country.
During the meeting, proscribed TLP’s march towards Islamabad and resultant rigid political situation was reviewed. Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid briefed participants regarding evolving law and order situation in country.
According to sources, Prime Minister Imran Khan during the meeting said that compromise on state’s writ was impossible and peace and stability were of everyone’s interest.
Premier told participants of meeting that his government didn’t want any bloodshed on the roads. He asked religious scholars to play mediatory part between agitators and government.
Talking to media after the meeting, Federal Minister Noor-ul-Haq Qadri said that religious leaders from across the country met the prime minister and expressed the resolve to wrap up the matter peacefully.
Qadri said the premier told the meeting’s participants that the incumbent government has always welcomed meaningful and serious talks.
The prime minister also told the ulema that their suggestions, which might save the country from bloodshed, will also be considered, the federal minister said.
According to the ‘inside story’ of meeting, religious scholars demanded TLP chief Saad Rizvi’s acquittal from Prime Minister Imran Khan which was turned down by the premier stating that matter was being heard by the courts now.
Prime Minister Imran Khan, according to sources was of the view that such type of ‘abrupt acquittal’ would set unpleasant precedent.
Talking about expulsion of French envoy, Prime Minister was of the view that any such step would severely harm Pakistan diplomatically and economically. “This would close European market’s door on Pakistan which would turn down as economic disaster” the premier told participants of meeting.
Prime Minister Imran Khan told participants of meeting that situation on whole was hurting Pakistan globally. He said that he himself is a true lover and follower of beloved Prophet (PBUH) and government had established Rehmatullil-Al-Amin Authority recently.
On the other hand, roads remained blocked and traffic suspended in Wazirabad on Saturday as TLP protestors intending to march on Islamabad encamped near the city for a second straight day.
Outside Wazirabad, security forces have dug trenches and placed barricades on the roads in an attempt to contain the mob near a crossing over the Chenab.
All roads between Wazirabad-Sialkot and Wazirabad-Gujranwala have been sealed by government authorities to cut off the mob’s advance.
Train and internet services remain suspended in Gujranwala; however, life is inching back to normalcy in the city.
