ISLAMABAD: Federal Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on Friday said that no political party was being targeted; only individuals involved in attacking state institutions were being arrested.
Speaking during a press conference in Islamabad, Nisar assured both Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) that people were being arrested based on evidence.
He specified that those people who had attacked state institutions and were involved in stealing electricity and water were being arrested. The interior minister also said those involved in attacking the police would be held accountable.
“PTI and PAT are not being targeted; people who are breaking the law are being arrested… We cannot tolerate illegal activities such as this for it is against the law,” said Nisar.
“If an innocent person has been arrested, I assure them that they will be released… Everyone can see the photo and video evidence of people involved in the attack on PTV,” the interior minister said.
Nisar showed photos during the press conference of people he said were PAT and PTI workers attacking and going on a rampage at the PTV Headquarters.
“Twenty people have been identified in the attack on PTV, seven have been arrested,” said Nisar.
“Eight expensive cameras were stolen from the studio,” he added.
The interior minister also said that, “Serious intelligence reports have come that there may be terror attacks on both protests… We have received reports from intelligence agencies."
“We have received intelligence that 5 to 6 terrorists have come to Islamabad and that they have their sights set on attacking the marchers,” Nisar said. He also stated that bomb disposal experts have been dispatched to the protest site and that the area has been cordoned off to secure the location.
“The well being of the Pakistani people is the state's responsibility,” Nisar said.
“Whether this march is constitutional or not, it is important to remember that there are women and children who are apolitical and have been brought here forcefully. They have been made fodder for other people’s political goals… People organising marches are also responsible in providing security for the marchers,” the interior minister said.
“The only solution is through dialogue… Talks with PTI have been going in a positive direction,” the interior minister claimed.
