PESHAWAR, Oct 18: Provincial Information Minister Syed Imtiaz Hussain Gilani said on Thursday that country’s interests should be held supreme over all other considerations and asked mediamen to be cautious at this crucial juncture of national history.

Speaking at a press conference here, the minister said, the country was passing through a difficult time and as such it warranted extra care on behalf of the entire nation especially the media.

He referred to various press reports appearing during last couple of days in regional and national newspapers giving an impression that demonstrations and protest rallies were gaining momentum, following US strikes against Afghanistan.

Gilani said “according to our reports there has been considerable decrease in protests and agitations in the country against US bombardment of Afghanistan”.

However, the national and regional press was giving out more coverage to the events taking place in this regard all over the province, he complained.

He urged newsmen to play their role through the writings for the country’s integrity and solidarity. He clarified there was no ban on taking out peaceful protest processions, however, “we cannot allow politics of violence and disturbances”. He said, whosoever would try to take law in his hand would not be spared.

He said, the provincial government closed down all educational institutions for a week after US strikes on October 7 last. However, he regretted on the very first day of the opening of the schools, the teachers in some parts of the province brought out their students in protest rallies and demonstrations.

He warned the teachers that they would be held responsible if any student was injured during the protest rallies. He also called upon political figures not to use students for their political ends.

The information minister who also holds the portfolio of education, hinted at closure of the schools again if the teachers and political leaders did not stop bringing out students on roads for demonstrations and agitation.

He said, District Nazims of Malakand, Lower Dir and Upper Dir Districts have been told to warn school teachers in their jurisdiction to refrain from inciting students in demonstrations.

Gilani said, President General Pervez Musharraf has categorically stated on many occasions that he was pained over the sufferings being faced by the Afghans. Pakistan was playing the same role which a friendly neighbour should play during odd hours, he added. “We are tied in centuries old bond of religion, customs, traditions and culture with the people of Afghanistan”, he maintained.

He contended that American reaction would have been much harsh and tough against Afghanistan, had Pakistan government not taken a wise decision on September 12. Pakistan government told the US administration that attacks against Afghanistan should be targeted, he added.—APP