Continuing with his political prophecies, Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid on Sunday claimed that the united opposition would “not get anything” from the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran in the National Assembly and protests while citing “inside information”.

“Whatever the result will be [of a no-confidence motion against PM Imran]… I have inside information you are not getting anything and Imran Khan will get popular,” he said while addressing a press conference in Islamabad as the federal capital braces for political power shows from today.

The interior minister’s statement comes after the opposition’s constant claim that the premier has lost the support of the establishment and the people. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in a public gathering in Parachinar on Saturday said the next elections would be free and fair and no institutions would be “made controversial” for one person.

“The day when Imran Khan will come and voting will be held… whether he wins in the assembly or in elections. He is now popular among the masses, he will come and conquer and you [opposition] will be in shock,” Rashid said.

To a query over the establishment’s apparent support to the opposition, he claimed that if the premier was not surviving the no-confidence motion then God would give him much respect, which is even more than the 2/3 majority in parliament – an ideal number to have reforms in the country.

He added that establishment was with Pakistan and the prevailing situation demands of the government to complete its five-year tenure. The interior minister also slammed former premier Nawaz Sharif for making “such statements” against the army.

Islamabad security

Elaborating on the Islamabad security, he dispelled any rumours that the roads in the federal capital were closed because of the political gatherings.

“Whole Islamabad is open. I am personally monitoring the command and control room,” he said and shared emergency numbers 0519206660 and 0519218594 with the public.

“PM Imran wants to address the public gathering at around 5-5:30 pm,” Rashid said and urged the people to reach the public gathering a little early.

In order to maintain order, he said that around 15,000 forces – including 6,000 Rangers and Frontier Corps and 9,000 police personnel – have been deployed in the city. He expressed hope that the JUI-F would not block the Srinagar Highway, previously known as Kashmir Highway, in view of the apex court orders.

He warned the opposition of dire consequences if the opposition tried to disrupt the law and order situation and the capital city administration would act as per the orders of the chief justice of Pakistan.

Rashid also slammed the opposition for calling Nazim Jokhio murder accused PPP MNA Jam Abdul Karim to cast vote on the day of a no-confidence vote. The minister said he has directed the FIA to arrest the accused upon his scheduled return to the country from the UAE on March 29.

He reiterated that all the accused names in the Nazim Jokhio murder has been placed on the ECL and they would be arrested. The interior minister urged the JUI-F to not bring madressah students to the rally and clear the highway for public.

He added that the army and police averted attempts aimed at disrupting the OIC summit.

Moreover, he admitted that inflation was high in the incumbent government’s tenure. But he accused the opposition for bringing the economy to such a state.

“Nawaz Sharif never had good relations with any army chiefs. [Former ISI chief] Gul Hamid used to give Nawaz Sharif tickets, I also took ticket from him and I went to [Libyan leader] Mu’ammar Al-Qadhdhafi and tell Bilawal who took money from Osama bin Laden to stable his government. Such conversations will go a long way,” Rashid said and forewarned the PPP chairman speaking against the premier’s family.