Lahore: Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has said that the government will not accept the demands of PTI through political pressure or protests and in case of any kind of blackmail, the founder of PTI should not expect relief.
Talking to journalists at Parliament House, Islamabad, Khawaja Asif termed the possible long march of PTI as an attempt to put pressure on the government. He said that the solution of political issues should be sought at the negotiating table, the attempt to satisfy the demands through protests and pressure will not be acceptable.
The Defense Minister urged the PTI to continue the negotiations and take effective steps against terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to him, it is necessary to stop the alleged support and financial support of terrorists in the province.
Khawaja Asif said that repeated protest marches towards Islamabad should not become a political tradition. He asked the PTI where is its clear stand against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan or its alleged patrons.
He claimed that terrorists are active in some districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa while questions are being raised about the governance of the provincial government. The Defense Minister termed the situation as a national security concern and demanded that the provincial government strengthen the state writ in its areas.
On a question regarding the possible relief of the PTI founder, Khawaja Asif made it clear that the government would not make any concessions as a result of protests or political pressure. He said that the government should not be expected to accept demands by applying pressure at gunpoint or on the streets.
He advised the PTI to move forward with the negotiation process and focus on the law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to him, action against terrorism and stopping alleged financial support are the main responsibilities of the provincial government.
Referring to a statement by Mahmood Achakzai, the Defense Minister said that he had seen his conversation about Nawaz Sharif. Khawaja Asif mentioned Mahmood Achakzai’s political role and old relationship with Nawaz Sharif and said that he should play his role in the current political situation
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