ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry on Friday told the National Assembly (NA) that war on terror was not against any specific nation, a segment of society or province.
Responding to a call attention notice, he said that mock exercises are conducted in different areas to prepare and train the security personnel for operations against the terrorists.
He said thousands of combing operations have been carried out in Punjab province.
He explained that the security forces are taking action without any discrimination. He said portraying in Pakhtun dress during mock exercise in Multan was not meant declaring them as terrorists.
Earlier, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Member National Assembly (MNA) Shehryar Afridi moved Calling Attention Notice (CAN) to draw the attention of the Interior Minister towards mock exercises conducted in Multan, which he said portrayed Pashtuns as terrorists.
State Minister for Interior informed the NA that this exercise was held at Railway station Multan so that law enforcement institutions could take measures against any possible act of terrorism.
He justified that terrorist depicted in the Pashtun dress was never meant that Pashtuns are terrorists. He added in such exercises women in veil are also seen, which does not mean that we do not have the due respect for veil or Hijab.
Afridi pointed out that such treatment with Pashtuns will increase the element of hatred. Upon this, Talal Chaudhry said that any single nation was not being targeted in terrorism, adding all institutions are waging a war against terrorism.
MNA Aamir Dogar said that those who are wearing shalwar kameez (national dress) or beard are checked strictly at check-posts. He said Pakhtuns are a brave and hardworking nation who joined hands with Quaid-e-Azam first of all and waged a war for freedom in Kashmir. He said Pashtuns are being victimized in Punjab.
In response to the allegations, Talal Chaudhry said Punjab government is not discriminating against Pashtuns.
MNA Munazza Hasan said it if any mistake was committed by the government then the government must apologize.
Replying to a call for an apology, Talal said that it was merely an experimental exercise and conducted in a natural environment. He said action against terrorists has been taken in all provinces.
He concluded by saying that the Ministry of Interior is ready to present details of measures taken by it before the Parliament during the last four and half years.
