Govt’s anti-terror strategy to bear fruit, says info minister

• Rashid denies govt deliberately delayed issuance of CNIC and passport to Altaf Hussain
• Says govt its best to facilitate MQM leader

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Senator Pervaiz Rashid has said that the government is against terrorists and stands firmly with institutions of national security.

Talking to reporters on Wednesday, he paid rich tributes to the army officers and soldiers, who laid down their lives in two terrorist attacks on Wednesday. He said sacrifices of personnel of the national security institutions would always be remembered.

The minister said it is unanimous decision of the nation to oppose terrorism and stand by the national security institutions.

To a question, he said the strategy decided by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to address the menace of terrorism is being implemented by national security institutions, adding that the strategy is successful and its outcome would help make Pakistan a peaceful and secure country.

Replying to another question about allegations of some opposition leaders that the government had deliberately delayed the matter regarding issuance of national identity card and Pakistani passport to MQM chief Altaf Hussain, the minister said this is irresponsible statement.

He pointed out that Aitzaz Ahsan’s PPP remained in power for five years and why they could not issue passport and identity card to Altaf Hussain. “It is irresponsible attitude to criticise the government unnecessarily and try to mislead people,” he said.

The minister said that immediately after knowing about arrest of Altaf Hussain London, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had directed the Pakistani High Commission there to contact the MQM leader to know what type of legal or moral assistance the government could extend to him.