ISLAMABAD: Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed Federal, Interior Minister called the decision of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) to announce a long march on March 23, Pakistan Day, is an irresponsible and unethical move.
Interior Minister was responding to PDM chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s statement in which he announced the Opposition alliance will hold an “anti-inflation march” in Islamabad on March 23.
“On March 23 [Pakistan Day], Pakistan’s armed forces hold a national parade which is attended by citizens, ambassadors and various delegates,” he said in a series of tweets.
He pointed out that everyone knew that Islamabad main roads are blocked on Pakistan Day because of parade that is held on March 23 every year.
Interior Minister further said, “The federal capital is put on high alert for preparations of the parade. Even some roads are barricaded two to three days in advance.”
The minister urged the PDM to call off their protest on March 23, insisting them to shift it to April instead.
Promoting Pakistan Day as a day of protest, chaos and disturbance is tantamount to serving anti-state forces, he added.
PDM again decides to flex its muscles in Islamabad
“People from across the country will gather in Islamabad. A massive demonstration will take place against inflation on March 23,” JUI(F) chief and PDM leader Moulana Fazl-u-r-Rehman said a day earlier. The PDM’s provincial chapters will prepare for the march, he had said.
The JUI-F chief said the Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif will soon be calling a meeting in Punjab, Fazl will hold a meeting in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) President Mahmood Khan Achakzai in Balochistan, while JUI-P President Shah Owais Noorani will hold a meeting in Sindh.
