Islamabad : Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Afridi said that negotiations are underway with the agitators to resolve the matter amicably. He said that no compromise will made on writ of the state. He said we do not want use of force against the protestors. He expressed these views while addressing the National Assembly on Thursday. The Minister of state categorically stated that nobody will be allowed to establish state within a state under the garb of religion in Naya Pakistan.
He said it is the responsibility of the state to protect the followers of every religion and sect. He also appreciated the statement of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in support of supremacy of law. He said the government will also sit with the opposition parties to take them into confidence on the current situation.
Earlier, federal Minister for Housing and Works Tariq Bashir Cheema has stated that government should not be blamed for the current situation. He said we have taken the requisite steps to maintain the law and order situation.
Chairman Pakistan People’s Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in his address urged all the political parties to demonstrate responsibility in the current situation as the country cannot afford any more tragedies.He said it is time to develop consensus and address the challenges faced by the country including the most imminent law and order situation. He said we stand for democracy, rule of law and justice. He expressed the confidence that the sitting government will seriously fulfill its responsibilities.
Abdul Shakoor of JUI (F) said the sanctity of Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) is very dear to all the Muslims. He said that love for the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is part of our faith. He said the current situation should be tackled amicably.
Shahid Khaqan Abbassi who won the by elections from Lahore took oath of office. The speaker administered oath to him. Others who spoke on the occasion included Khalid Hussain Magsi, Abdul Akbar Chitrali, Sabir Hussain Kaim Khani, Riaz Fatyana, Rana Sanaullah also voiced concerns over the current situation.
