Have suggested mass resignations to PM Imran as 'last option': Sheikh Rashid

Published April 8, 2022
Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid speaks to the media in Islamabad. — DawnNewsTV
Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid speaks to the media in Islamabad. — DawnNewsTV

Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid said on Friday that he had told Prime Minister Imran Khan that "mass resignations" were the "last option" left for the government.

The minister's remarks came a day after the Supreme Court set aside National Assembly Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri's April 3 ruling which dismissed the no-trust resolution against the premier and the subsequent dissolution of the NA by the president on the PM's advice.

Speaking to the media in Islamabad, he said "a wave of disappointment has taken over the nation after the decision".

He said that the sentiment among the people was that a conspiracy was under way to bring those involved in corruption to power.

"But if someone believes that we are laying down our weapons, have no [misconceptions]," he said. "We will fight till our last breath against these thugs, robbers and looters," he added, referring to the opposition.

He then told media persons that yesterday he had told PM Imran that "we should all resign" as this was the "last option" because the country would not be able to function with "robbers and thugs" at the helm.

"I had suggested [submitting] resignations three months ago as I knew what the issues were," Rashid said without elaborating further.

"I was right in saying that we should resign and hold new elections. I was right when I said impose an emergency and I was right when I said to impose governer's rule.

"And I say this today as well that we all should resign together [...] and expose their (the opposition's) real faces to the nation."

The minister said opposition parties would destroy the country's "independent foreign policy".

He followed up on this claim with a cryptic remark, saying: "If there is anyone who believes that people don't understand what has happened, how it has happened and who did it, [understand that] the people know everything."

At the outset of his media talk, the minister, without naming anyone, had implied that "big powers" were behind the no-trust motion against PM Imran.

"This is how big powers execute a no-confidence motion. They buy people. They use health as an excuse and help robbers and thugs flee the country," he said. "Now you will see that all of them will return."

"Foreign powers, who want to impose their mentality in Pakistan, curb our freedom and put an end to our neutrality, will be defeated," he said.

He went on to say that in this case — seemingly an allusion to events that unfolded following the submission of the no-trust motion against PM Imran — "all forces have been exposed".

This, the minister said, was the real issue.

Opinion

Editorial

In demand
Updated 01 Sep, 2024

In demand

It is hoped that JUI-F will not become part of any scheme to amend the Constitution till the question of reserved seats is resolved by the Supreme Court.
Economic pessimism
01 Sep, 2024

Economic pessimism

A RECENT survey reckons that widespread pessimism and gloom prevail among Pakistanis, as economic hardships continue...
Malnutrition epidemic
01 Sep, 2024

Malnutrition epidemic

MALNUTRITION has been a primary factor in Pakistan’s disease burden for many years. Recently, the Women’s...
PM in Balochistan
Updated 31 Aug, 2024

PM in Balochistan

There must be genuine political engagement with Balochistan’s people, and the democratic process should be allowed to evolve without "management".
Invite to Modi
Updated 31 Aug, 2024

Invite to Modi

The ball is, for now, in Modi’s court. Perhaps it is time for him to try something different than demonising Pakistan for his constituencies.
Parallel force?
31 Aug, 2024

Parallel force?

THE proposed creation of a new parallel, uniformed, and armed force in Punjab with vast powers to intrude into the...