146
LAHORE: Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah says the important buildings on The Mall were provided security in the wake of recent threat alert but he blames the protest demonstration for the tragedy.
“Had there been no protest demonstration, this incident would not have occurred,” Sanaullah told a private TV channel on Monday.
On receiving threat alert, he said the security of important buildings on The Mall like Governor House, Punjab Assembly and Lahore High Court was beefed up. However, he said, the protest provided the opportunity to terrorist(s) to target it.
The National Counter Terrorism Authority had issued a threat alert on Feb 7, saying a terrorist group had planned an attack in Lahore. It had sought vigilance for all important buildings, hospitals and schools.
Published in Dawn February 14th, 2017
Read more
On DawnNews
Feb 14, 2017 08:50am
As always, an idiotic statement by an extremely irresponsible minister.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 08:55am
Peaceful protest is the right of the people in any democratic country. It is the job of the govt to provide them security. Please don't blame others for your failure.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 08:59am
What a below par statement....simply shameful statement by the minister
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 09:16am
To provide security to the protesters is the responsibility of the government of Punjab i.e. Shahbaz Sharif and you.Being presently the government it is again your responsibility to ensure that a situation does not arise where people have to resort to street protests particularly the strike of chemists which in any case is extremely rare.The protest its handling and aftermath shows incompetence and high handed approach
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 09:19am
A lame excuse as always. I would say "Had there been no terrorist, this incident would not have occurred".
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 09:31am
Stupidity at its peak....
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 09:43am
Every time after the bomb blast government must blame others. Sometime India, sometime internal terrorists, sometime Afghanistan. After blaming wash off from all responsibilities. All tall security claims are thown in gutter again.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 09:50am
Protests are sign of democracy! Of course he's going to blame on it.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 09:52am
What a sad excuse for a human being. Rather than accept his/and the governament's responsibility in keeping people safe,he decides to blame others as always.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 09:57am
Too low for a civil comment......
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 10:00am
we pay the price for putting them in the office...blame game as usual...
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 10:00am
Need NAP in Punjab!
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 10:03am
Excellent logic! Can also be applied to murder cases: had murder victim not lived, murder would not have happened, hence murder victim is to blame.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 10:05am
This is putting salt on wounds of injured andrelatives of martyrs. Shameful statement.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 10:15am
what else you can expect from him !
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 10:19am
What a shame! How long will this nation have to tolerate such stupid politicians?????
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 10:28am
The most stupid twist to cover up ones own responsibility...
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 10:35am
Well the protestors were agitating against actions of this government so I suppose if we didn't have this government we wouldn't have the tragic terrorist attack!
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 10:33am
Shameful statement
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 10:33am
What an arrogance and shamelessness. Not sure when these guys will learn to feel for the people!
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 10:39am
Totally failure of punjab government and negligence of concerned
authority, huge loss of innocent live,irresponsible statement of irresponsible minister.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 10:40am
For once let's blame terrorists and extremists and take action against them! Instead blaming people coming out of their homes.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 10:41am
His statements and acts are as Shameful as always
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 10:40am
I listen similar comments from all Pmln government office bearer surely it is irresponsible and apathetic
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 10:43am
How long can Pakistan's officials do nothing and get away with it?
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 10:48am
people were protesting against a law passed for the protection of human being.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 10:50am
Important buildings were protected but the people who choose to house these leaders in these important buildings and people's rights are not important for these politicians .. what a shameful statement and shameful are those who vote for them and who create such cabinets
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 10:52am
So, might it be a hand in glove to ban protests all over the country on all type of issues, such as panama,yda,civil society etc etc
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 10:53am
the democrats have been protesting for long against Trump ... no blasts there ... can't imagine what the response would have been if a Trump's team member had said that the blast was because of democrats protesting
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 10:58am
Let's take this one step further: there would be no protests if Sharif family and Rana Sanuallah were not in government.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 10:57am
I really like the way this guy speaks. Doesn't care about the world or anything just say whatever comes in his mouth. And then we say why Pakistan is not improving.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 11:20am
What else you can expect from him?
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 11:21am
Had there been an educated law minister, we would not have gotten an indecent statement like that.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 11:25am
Yesterday I have come to know that these rulers lie. I was there in the protest. Media was there. We all are witness , police was there only as spectators.No Security Check was avaialable.Highest level of neglegence. I am astonished over statement of Rana Sanaullah.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 11:31am
Great logic. If there were no protest, bomber would not have figured out where to blast the bomb.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 11:33am
well well this man never fails to amuse me. When you can't protect the nation just blame them. High five for such an immature statement. well clearly Mr Rana the security beef up was not enough and your government yet again failed to protect the lives of innocent people. Its shameful on your part to pass such statements holding the authority that you do, but obviously anything to get the blame off. Please show some empathy towards the people
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 11:35am
Instead of accepting his mistakes. This guy is blaming the innocent. Shameless PML-N government I must say.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 11:41am
And how does he know that?
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 11:48am
what amazing logic! Then again, the state of affairs of the country are a true reflection of such mind(s) at work.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 11:50am
RANGERS OPERATION NEEDED IN PUNJAB
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 11:52am
The state of governance in Pakistan can be judged through this guy's comments.
Blame the victim.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 11:50am
what unethical statement..investigation should be done against him may be involved
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 11:55am
Wah Sana Wah, Aafreen on your intellectual mind.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 11:56am
Shameful, Utterly shameful statement! This idiotic spin on the blast incident by Rana sana shows his ignorance. Had this not been this gathering, the it would have been any other.
Don't try to pin your own incompetence on the protesters.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 11:58am
What dammed.....the why u allow these protesters to protest....where was ur intelligence.....It's a terrible case of negligence from government side.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 12:00pm
@Maqood Absolutely true
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 12:04pm
We people of Pakistan deserve these Politicians. I have seen lots of PML-N supporter here and I want to say them that Rana Sanaullah is the core element of PMLN. He is not some guy who has just joined party
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 12:08pm
This man is never serious. He never takes responsibility and Always has funny excuses but no solution at all for anything.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 12:15pm
This person with his statement will do well acting in theatre than on political scene
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 12:15pm
Maybe he should have been there instead of the good police officers who gave up their lives in the line of duty.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 12:27pm
"On receiving threat alert, he said the security of important buildings on The Mall like Governor House, Punjab Assembly and Lahore High Court was beefed up."
And who is responsible to provide security to public? What a shameful excuse from the most irresponsible so called Law Minister of Punjab. At least do not blame the victims and show some respect for their blood.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 12:29pm
So, no protest of any sort in this rule. This is dictatorial rule at its highest.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 12:30pm
Root cause of the protest has not been highlighted instead blaming people.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 12:32pm
The bottom line is that once again, the government failed to protect the citizens. People have the right to protest and they do not deserve to be killed and injured. Punjab law minister is out of his mind - Punjab government as well as the federal government need to accept responsibility for the security failure. Loss of one life is too many. This is the second security failure in Lahore where scores of people have been killed - Instead of blaming its repeated failure on innocent citizens, the government officials and ministers responsible for security should resign or the PM should seek their resignations.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 12:43pm
Congrats for voting PMLN!
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 12:44pm
Had the government fixed things before people would not have been forced to come on the streets so now the ball is back in his court
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 12:45pm
Protest is a healthy part of a democracy...Unfortunate comment by Minister saheb. If nobody comes out of home, no body died. Minister tell people to stay inside all the time !!
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 12:47pm
Sadly he is blaming the victims for their own death and injury. What a shameful comment.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 12:50pm
Thank God he didn't blame it on the Dharna
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 12:59pm
Blame everybody and anybody but never take any responsibility but enjoy all the perks of the government. This is the policy of PMLN government.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 12:59pm
Don't worry, the smart people of Punjab will elect him again and again and again and again.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 12:59pm
Anywhere else in the world with statement like that the minister would have resigned out of embarassement..we have politicians who want to rule the country in the name of sham democracy but take no responsibility for their failures.. shameful!
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 01:07pm
Disgusting statement. Shameful. Army action similar to Karachi is the only solution, but the Punjab govt kept on refusing & the result is here....
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 01:26pm
Ludicrous statement. He should resign.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 01:36pm
Bravo Mr. Minister for the solution!!! If there are no people, none of these events will happen.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 01:37pm
Please someone enlighten the minister that his government is responsible for law and order. If they can not assure it, they should resign instead of blaming the citizens.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 01:40pm
Heart bleeds to see such incident. Authorities should take some concrete action rather than giving mere statement.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 01:50pm
The Minister should know the best administration is that which acts in time to forestall such agitations, taking action that they take after a lot of destruction and loss of lives.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 01:49pm
He is right, why always on the roads when situation is not conducive to such demonstrations. Responsibility is equally upon people who gather for banned products to be made legal.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 01:57pm
If there was credible intelligence then why the perpetrators not arrested?? Why security was beefed up only to protect the politicians and not the poor protestors??
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 02:01pm
No doubt the terrorism activities have been mitigated to some extend but not eradicated. But this attack is due to failure of our securities agencies inclusive the Govt. and instead of conceding the failure, they make such statements which provoked the sentiments of the public. The only reason of occurring this type of attacks is abdication from the application of National Action Plan which is required to be started pragmatically over the country.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 02:07pm
Bring Back Gen Raheel Shareef
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 02:14pm
What !! ??If you do not take responsibility then please just step down do not destroy Pakistan any more....This is all started from D Aziz , do not accept any responsibilities Again Shame for Pakistani People those who sold their vote for Rs 5000 to these crooks....
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 02:13pm
If there was no law then there won't be any law ministers either. But sadly, even though there is the so called law, there is a law minister and that too an incompetent one.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 02:28pm
To protest is every citizen's protected right and in this context Rana Sanaullah statement is utterly dictatorial.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 02:35pm
"If these people were not born, then they would not have died today in this blast. So their parents are equally responsible" Rana Sanaullah
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 02:39pm
@Pakistani1 - "Bravo Mr. Minister for the solution!!! If there are no people, none of these events will happen." very well said ! These type of people have just no responsibility and value for human life ..
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 02:40pm
@Pakistani1 - "Bravo Mr. Minister for the solution!!! If there are no people, none of these events will happen." very well said ! These type of people have just no responsibility and value for human life ..
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 02:42pm
What else can be expected of these incompetent & irresponsible ministers .... people who vote these thugs ... should reconsider there priorities plz ....
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 02:42pm
Extrapolating his highness statement:
"Had there been no people alive in Pakistan, no one would have had to die ever"
and trust me the day is not far when someone will state this...its all people's fault...to exist!!
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 02:41pm
Man is demented and completely foolish. He has no sensitivity or sympathy for the grieving families, but comes out with an excuse to cover up his own incompetence.
Such people belong behind bars - instead of masquerading as 'Law Ministers', who have no respect for it to start with, and know very little of it.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 02:42pm
See friends who is speaking what.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 02:44pm
The blame for this carnage rests with the Punjab government.
The policies and regulations which forced people to the streets; inadequate security arrangements; incompetence of the forces on the scene, the rescue operations; lack of official response, failure to take responsibility and complete muteness in the aftermath leads me to believe it was coordinate and well-planned with people in the know. PML-N government has been a failure and all the promises they make are hollow at best.
When will the people rise up and get rid of this menace is the open question. I don't like where the country is going or who is managing it. It is complete anarchy by any other name.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 02:49pm
Dear Sanaullah,
I second you ! Had there been no protestors this bombing would have never occured.
Just as there would have been no traffic accidents if there was no traffic. And people wouldn't need to ply the all so posh roads of Lahore had they just sat at home !
So I reckon the solution to all of this is to have no population in the country. Please take the matter up with the PM.
Yours ever obedient,
Citizen of Pakistan
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 02:47pm
disgusting
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 03:06pm
Now Law will b passed.. Ban all protests in Pakistan
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 03:09pm
PML (N) government is nothing but utter disgrace to Pakistan. They have been stopping the rangers operation in Punjab for all these months and now we see the result. The responsibility of this terror incident lies on their doorstep.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 03:14pm
@Dr riffat jabeen there is every chance of our voters getting them into power again.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 03:15pm
Close to school university market cinema or any place where people gather actually stop people coming on street thtat what noon league want to stop these blast
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 03:16pm
If PML-N government and fools like Sana were not part of this government, the people would not have to come out on the streets to demonstrate to protect their livelihood. Therefore, the government is entirely responsible for this debacle. And Mr. Sana should be held to account for proposing changes to the law that resulted in the protests and the carnage thereafter.
Time to accept your responsibility.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 03:17pm
Peaceful right of the people versus the reality of law & order situation in the country! Common sense should alway prevail.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 03:22pm
Blame game politics is the motto of both PPP and PML since 4 decades.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 03:21pm
Absolutely rediculus statement.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 03:23pm
Incompetent minister.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 03:31pm
as usual this time again rana sanullah shifted the responsibility over protesters to hide their inefficiency.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 03:36pm
100% Agree with Rana Sanaullah once Security institutions issued warning Feb 7 why Protestors gatherd
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 03:40pm
This type of politicians available in huge quantity in Indian subcontinent.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 03:43pm
Had you (Sana Ullah) not been the law minister, there would not have been people protesting on busy intersections of Lahore!!
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 03:50pm
@Muhammad A Mahmood .... Very well said.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 03:53pm
How about, had there been no Sanaullah this blast would not have occurred.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 03:53pm
seem like he knew everything before it happened.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 03:58pm
Only law minister of a lawless country can issue such statement
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 04:03pm
A government is recognised by the company of ministers it keeps.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 04:04pm
Had there been no Rana Sanaullah then we would not have had an inept law minister .
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 04:07pm
Every time he speaks he says something even more illogical and stupid than last time! And this man is the law minister of the biggest province of Pakistan from the ruling party PML-N.
Speaks volumes about both this individual and the party!
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 04:21pm
This person lives in Stone Age, tomorrow he will say had there been no vehicle on the road there should not be an accident...
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 04:25pm
Irresponsible statement by an irresponsible person.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 04:25pm
All sorts of reasons continue to be dished out. What is needed is a safe and secure Pakistan. No ifs and buts required.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 04:29pm
@AK
Very well summarized.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 04:29pm
It was learnt that he advised CM to came late, A clue for Intel Agencies as the claim of Attack was accepted by LJ and he had a soft bend and colation with ASWJ formerly SSP also a banned outfit..and LJ emerged from SSP so his connection with them and his information about possible blast shows he knew some thing going there.....So until unless these Black Sheep kept inside the Govt nothing positive could be expected. In past he always resisted against NAP active role in Punjab...
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 04:33pm
The good minister should be asked to resign by the powers that be. And yet, one wonders what powers he wields over them -
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 04:33pm
Absolutely idiotic statement
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 04:36pm
@DIL DIL PAKISTAN , So from tomorrow onward if there is security threat no one should leave his house as there could be blast and Shareefs and Rana Singh will provide bread and supplies to Daily wage workers...
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 04:37pm
Had you not been here it wouldn't have happened
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 04:40pm
I'm surprise to see the responses from govt authorities
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 04:41pm
This person is too ignorant to be a minister. he should resign and SC should take action on this events
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 04:44pm
This guy who is law minister has no idea how democracy works. Blaming protesters is a high degree of incompetence on his part. If you cannot maintain law and order then quit your job.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 04:44pm
To some extend , that's true. When the public refuse to accept rule of law and legislations the outcome is the same. Traders have become used to exorbitant profits and any effort to bring them under law result in protest. Dont believe it? Just announce they'll be taxed then see what happens.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 04:49pm
Next thing this minister will say, every should stay home.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 04:48pm
With such "leaders" who needs enemies
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 04:59pm
I am surprised he did not blame all the dead and injured people for being at the wrong place at wrong time.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 05:04pm
Had there been no Nawaz Sharif , then there would have been no PLM N and we would have had Rana Sanaullah and incompetent ministers . Had we had no Rana Sanaullah perhaps we would have a competant go government who actually new what they were doing and cared about the 20 million people in Pakistan.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 05:12pm
Does this person not know that right to praceful protest and demonstration is a right allowed to people in all democratic countries? It is the responsibility and duty of the government to ensure security of the protesting public.And once again the government has failed to do its job.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 05:22pm
As a matter of responsibility he should resign honorably instead of being dismissed by authority as he accepted breach of security.
But will he? Who cares in Pakistan?
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 05:34pm
“Had there been no protest demonstration, this incident would not have occurred,”
It should go like this. had there been a competent person in charge of the law and order situation, this would not have happened.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 06:00pm
His statements are samples of inept leadership!
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 06:00pm
Who put him at this position and brought him back after model Town massacre?
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 06:10pm
I am not surprised when he blamed protesters for for this tragedy. I guess he blamed 14 people of Tahir ul Qadri killed by police by walking into the path of bullets .
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 06:26pm
Raja Sanaullah must face the sack by Nawaz Sharif for this inexcusable and irresponsible statement.He obviously does not believe in the democratic rights of citizens,nor is he able to do his job properly.It is not government buildings that should receive priority for security,it is the ordinary people of Pakistan on the streets.It's his failure entirely that he did not think the protesters worthy of protection. The venue had been predetermined ,there should have been stringent checks of all people entering that area.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 06:28pm
How is hiding there negligence and supporting the corrupt government.
They know since the announcement PSL final match has to play in LAHORE, there will be the possibility of any mishappening because India never wants any this kind of event in Pakistan.
Instead of providing security He is blaming the peoples who were demanding peacefully there rights.
God safe our country from this kind of culprits.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 06:30pm
There is no morality and ethical sense in politics of N-league. Irresponsible attitude and onus lies on Punjab Govt to resign if they are sincere to nation.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 06:34pm
Prime example of the ignorant, uneducated and powerful politicians of Pakistan. No love for the common man and to say "On receiving threat alert, he said the security of important buildings on The Mall like Governor House, Punjab Assembly and Lahore High Court was beefed up. However, he said, the protest provided the opportunity to terrorist(s)" .... say what?? Sir for a 3rd world country your most important buildings ARE YOUR PEOPLE!
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 06:40pm
we should blame ourselves for electing such irresponsible and uneducated leaders
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 06:39pm
Don't know whether to laugh or cry, honestly.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 06:44pm
Sometimes its better not to speak.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 06:44pm
Mr. Rana Sanaullah Just to tell you that protest is an important part of democracy. Better concentrate on security rather than growing your mustache
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 06:56pm
Why pubic is electing such irresponsible people?
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 07:02pm
This guy is pathetic. Why don't the Pakistani "awam" wake up and stand up against these the corrupt politicians.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 07:16pm
Large gatherings are an opportunity for these types of actions. Rana is right, no matter how sad the situation is.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 07:20pm
This minister is out of touch with the reality. Terrorists aim for soft targets and any busy public place could have been the target. Terrorists had attacked schools, places of worship and markets in the past. Those who died in those attacks were not protestors. You do not deserve your job.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 07:22pm
@syedchaudhrygangadinkhan small gatherings you will not be heard by the corrupt politicians.
Recommend
0
Feb 14, 2017 09:01pm
nobody blame himself!!!
Recommend
0
Feb 15, 2017 04:17am
Ever since the Panama leaks there is no governance in Pakistan. The people of Pakistan must come out in the streets to throw the government out and bring the people responsible to task
Recommend
0
Feb 15, 2017 04:45am
Just echoing what everyone said, what a moronic irresponsible statement. which by the way one can only get away with in my dear country. Anywhere else it would mean immediate dismissal.
Recommend
0
Feb 15, 2017 04:12pm
@syedchaudhrygangadinkhan. Exactly. just kill them all so there won't be any gathering at all.
Recommend
0
Feb 16, 2017 03:40pm
Arrest this man. He is the main culprit. I am sure he may even have links with banned outfits
Recommend
0
