–PTI leader mocks ‘armchair observers’ critical of deal with religious protesters
Adviser on Political Affairs to Prime Minister Imran Khan Naeemul Haque on Monday mocked “armchair observers” critical of the agreement reached with protesters who took to the streets against Supreme Court’s decision to acquit Aasia Bibi.
“Armchair observers rushing to immature judgments on how the government has ‘failed’. Unaware of the facts these drawing room pundits rush to judgement even as the exercise to eliminate evil has just begun. Calm down folks. Wait and see,” tweeted Naeemul Haque.
Armchair observers rushing to immature judgements on how the government has “failed”. Unaware of the facts these drawing room pundits rush to judgement even as the exercise to eliminate evil has just begun. Calm down folks. Wait and see.
— Naeem ul Haque (@naeemul_haque) November 5, 2018
On Sunday, the minister of interior initiated criminal proceedings against rioters and released initial pictures of the miscreants involved in vandalising property and harming common citizens during the demonstrations, which ended on Friday after the government reached an agreement with the protesters.
The ministry also appealed to citizens to cooperate with the police and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in identifying the rioters.
“We will release more pictures of those involved in rioting and destroying public property in the coming days,” a statement from the Interior Ministry read.
At least 500 TLP leaders and supporters, including firebrand cleric Khadim Rizvi and Afzal Qadri, were booked in 11 different cases under charges of causing agitation among the masses, blocking roads and vandalism in Lahore.
Furthermore, Twitter also blocked Rizvi’s social media account on the same day. According to Federal Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari, the social media company had previously rejected the federal government’s request to block his account.
Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry, while addressing a press conference in Karachi on Sunday assured the public that the government would neither turn a blind eye nor forget the inciteful speeches and threats made by religio-political leaders under the guise of protesting against the acquittal of Aasia Bibi last week.
“No one should have the impression that the government will let this behaviour slide. The impression that this government is weak will be removed as we take further action,” he said.
“This is not a matter of religion, it is related to rebellion. Should the state ignore mutiny? The credibility of a state that ignores rebellion is questionable. Therefore, we cannot turn a blind eye to it”.