LAHORE: Minister for Railways Sheikh Rashid has warned the politicians of the possible terror attacks in the country sponsored by India, advising them to be careful with their security.

He claimed the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf would be the winner in the Giligit Baltistan election, followed by the PPP, independents and the PML-N.

“Today’s press briefing by the ISPR DG and the foreign minister has revealed India’s plans of damaging our country through terror attacks for which some groups have been constituted. India is doing this since it knows that it cannot compete with our armed forces at border, Line of Control (LoC),” Rashid told journalists at a press conference here on Saturday.

“So I ask the politicians to take care of their life by having adequate security. Since I also faced three suicide attacks in the past, I think that our politicians’ life may be in danger due to Indian intelligence agency — Research and Analysis Wing (RAW),” he warned.

About the Gilgit Baltistan elections, he believed that the PTI would form government there.

“This is my political analysis that the PTI would be No 1 [in GB polls], followed by the PPP, independent candidates and the PML-N. And right after the election results, they [the opposition parties] would be making a noise about rigging,” he predicted.

Indirectly referring to the rallies planned by 11-party opposition alliance, the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), The minister urged the people to avoid going into “gatherings” since the Covid-19 was showing an upward trend.

Commenting on the recent interview Maryam Nawaz had with the BBC, he said PML-N vice president had taken “a different line” from his father when she talked about the possibility of talks with the army.

He said under the PDM’s umbrella, the PML-N wanted a dialogue (with the establishment) now since they have understood that Nawaz’s narrative was not correct.

“Actually they [PML-N] want to enjoy two benefits with one ticket. But, why she [Maryam] didn’t think it is unconstitutional when she asked army to first remove Imran’s government[as a precondition for talks],” the minister deplored.

He said the Nawaz’s narrative and giving a leading role to her daughter had jeopardised the politics of Shehbaz Sharif.

“Maryam is taking all decisions, undermining politics of Shehbaz Sharif. But I tell you that this government is going nowhere,” he maintained.

Published in Dawn, November 15th, 2020