KARACHI: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry on Sunday said the government will not turn a blind eye to seditious remarks by protesters during the protests against acquittal of Aasia Bibi in a blasphemy case.
Speaking to media here, the minister explained the government had two options, adding that had the state used force to disperse protesters, there were chances of damage. In case of any damage, the government would have to face criticism, he said.
Referring to an agreement reached between the federal government and the Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) that brought an end to the countrywide protests, he said the step the government took was akin to “dousing flames”.
He, however, made it plain that no one should misconstrue it as the state’s weakness and have the misunderstanding that the state would forgive them, he added.
The minister said the impression that the state is weak will soon dispel, adding that those who made speeches and indulged in vandalism will not be ignored. This is a matter of sedition and thus cannot be turned a blind to, he clarified. Earlier, Fawad Chaudhry called on Sindh Governor Imran Ismail in Karachi. They discussed favorable investment climate in the province, incentives for investment, the federal government’s projects for Karachi, the development package announced by the prime minister for it and other issues of mutual interest.
Meanwhile Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Ch on Sunday stunned everybody with his statement hinting at end of Sindh govt in the wake of widespread money laundering scam. He was presiding over a session of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) Sindh faction. “On one occasion, a street vendor becomes billionaire while on some other occasion rickshaw driver becomes instant millionaire”, taunted the firebrand minister while adding, “At present, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) is ruling Sindh. Let’s see how long it will remain in place.” The vocal minister hinted at constituting a complain cell in Governor House which would be connected with Prime Minister House. NNI
