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PTI to be allowed to hold a peaceful public meeting: Nisar
Minister says nobody will be allowed to ransack govt, state buildings on Nov 30
INPISLAMABAD – Minister for Interior Affairs Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said on Thursday that nobody would be allowed to ransack the government and state buildings on November 30.
He added that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) would be allowed to hold a peaceful, political and democratic public meeting. He was speaking to Journalists representatives in Islamabad after attending the passing-out parade of the assistant superintendent of police (ASP).
Nisar clarified that Frontier Constabulary (FC) personnel and police forces have been summoned from other cities to ensure the protection of the government and state buildings and have been instructed not to baton charge the demonstrators. He said a mechanism has also been evolved for the use of water cannons.
The minister said that a three-tier security plan has been prepared for November 30 and FC, police and Rangers personnel will perform their duties to avert any untoward incident on the day. “The law will come into action if democratic institutions were attacked,” he said, adding that the government could easily remove the PTI’s protest sit-in with just ten policemen.”
Nisar said that the government was trying to convince the PTI to record its protest without disturbing citizens and paralysing civic life in Islamabad. To a question, he said Pakistan’s national security apparatus was fully operational and several terror attacks have been foiled. He said that terror attacks have witnessed a decline since the launch of military operations against militants.
Nisar said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has made a formal request for a rally on November 30 stating that a protest in accordance with the constitution would be permitted He said that administration and Ministry of Interior was considering the PTI’s request for the rally and chalking out the administrative strategy for the said date.
He said that foreseeing the probable situation on November 30, police has placed containers clarifying that government’s preparations were solely to protect state institutions and public property. The minister stated their intent was neither to target any political worker nor resort to baton charge and that they have devised the method to use water cannons.
He vowed not to beg for any foreign assistance in order to counter terrorism. Earlier, addressing the passing-out ceremony, Nisar said that police have an important role to play with regard to the challenges faced by Pakistan, including terrorism.
He appreciated the sacrifices rendered by security personnel in the line of duty. He also expressed confidence that the police department would continue to work devotedly to rid Pakistan of terrorism and ensure peace and security.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk