LAHORE: Minister for Railways Sheikh Rashid has appreciated the chief of army staff (COAS) for telephoning PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on the issue of the arrest of retired Capt Safdar.

He has also rejected the opposition parties’ statements about the ouster of the Imran Khan-led government before December or January.

“Since it was a matter that invited discussions over the image of the army, I think the army chief has done well by calling Bilawal Bhutto on this issue,” he told reporters while responding to various questions at his weekly press conference here on Saturday.

“But I tell you clearly that whosoever use to fight with the institutions, his politics ends forever.”Rashid said those talking about the end of the government before December or January must know that Imran Khan is not going anywhere. “I say he (Imran Khan) is here and not going anywhere. Rather, there would be a sweeping action (against opposition) between December and February,” he claimed.

Fears terrorist activities during PDM rallies

The minister reiterated that there could be terrorist activities during PDM rallies.

“I pray that there should not be any terrorist activity during [PDM’s] Quetta and Peshawar rallies. But it can happen since Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan terrorists funded by India may do any such untoward event that can badly damage the Pakistani politics,” he said.

He appreciated the Chief Justice of Pakistan for constituting 120 more courts for trial of the accused in terrorism cases on a daily basis.

To a question related to PM’s statement about holding general elections but not giving NRO to the government, he said a politician always keeps himself ready for elections.

“I think there is no significance of this statement, as he (PM) said this in routine. But I tell you clearly that he would not give NRO to the opposition,” he said.Earlier speaking briefly about his department, he said the Pakistan Railways had launched online booking of freight trains.

Published in Dawn, October 25th, 2020