In a stern warning to the country’s security chief, ahead of PTI’s protest march to the capital, Awami Muslim League chief Sheikh Rashid said that Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah would not be able to leave the capital if rubber bullets are used against protesters.
“Islamabad does not belong to anyone,” said Rashid in a press conference in Lahore.
He said that Imran Khan’s only demand is that there should be transparent election. “He has not asking for anything else.”
On Arshad Sharif’s murder, Rashid said that the people at the journalist’s funeral showed that he was held in great respect by the people. “Very few people receive such devotion.”
Rashid, who has served as interior minister in the past, said that it was no longer possible to keep a lid on information.
“The winds have changed. Everyone has a mobile phone. Nothing can be hidden from anyone,” he continued. This government is composed of thieves.
In a potshot at the ruling coalition the Pakistan Democratic Movement, he said that even 13 parties could not compete with Imran Khan after banding together. “I beseech all the officials to understand this ground reality.”
He reiterated that he would stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Imran Khan during his protests. “I am neither Nawaz Sharif nor Shahbaz…or Asif Zardari, who would run from a challenge.”
Rashid, an Islamabad insider, said that he hasn’t contacted the Establishment nor have been any overtures from their side. “No one has threatened me (against attending the march).”
He said that he would be at the Liberty Chowk in Islamabad tomorrow, where Imran is scheduled to address supporters at 11am to kickoff his protest.
He continued that the PTI had taken a stance for early election only while lauding the statement made by the ISPR director general and ISI chief Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum earlier in the day that the army had decided to stay apolitical. “This is very good.”
On the question regarding Article 245, he said that the army can never shoot at its own people. “It will not be a peaceful protest and not a bloody one.”
