Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed appears to have had enough of the Opposition’s stubbornness to hold a protest on March 23rd (Pakistan Day). Earlier, the government requested the Opposition to reschedule its march, however, the Opposition refused.
To clarify, last month, the Opposition announced that it will hold an “inflation march” against the incumbent government. Choosing March 23, 2022 as the day for the protest, PDM President Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that the issue of inflation was of national importance.
Due to the date, Minister Sheikh Rasheed on Monday urged the Opposition to reschedule their long march citing the threat of terrorism. However, the Opposition is adamant and said the PDM will enter Islamabad on the scheduled day.
Read more: PDM weakness is no reason for govt’s continuation: Maulana Fazl
Reacting to Sheikh Rasheed’s request, the PDM Chief reiterated that the opposition would “never allow the government to trade away the freedom and sovereignty of the country.”
Now, Sheikh Rasheed insists that the Opposition should continue with its plans to face utter humiliation and disgrace.
Don’t change your plans now: Sheikh Rasheed warns Opposition
The interior minister said the Opposition does not care that 23rd March is a special day for Pakistan. Opposition’s protest will upset the foreign leaders coming to Pakistan for the occasion.
According to reports, foreign ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries will attend the Pakistan Day parade.
Read more: OIC summit: Strategy of Inaction?
“If you want to upset them [foreign leaders] with your personal politics, then you come on 23rd,” Sheikh Rasheed hit back at Opposition.
“Don’t change your plans. Come on 23rd and inshallah you will face a political defeat,” he further added.
Furthermore, Sheikh Rasheed said the Opposition will face humiliation and disgrace on 23rd March. For security purposes, there are plans to block roads in Islamabad. Sheikh Rasheed also said that it is possible authorities will suspend cellular services on 23rd March.