RAWALPINDI: In an apparent reference to recent terror attacks on security agencies, Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid on Saturday asserted that incidents that had taken place over the past week could rise further.
Addressing a ceremony held in Rawalpindi in relevance to Kashmir Day, the federal minister claimed that the Taliban have intervened but the incidents that occurred in the past week could increase.
Rashid did not elaborate further on this comment, which was, apparently, also an allusion to the end of a month-long ceasefire between the government and proscribed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in December last year.
At least 13 terrorists were killed and seven security personnel, including an officer, martyred during the armed attacks and subsequent security operations by Thursday, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.
‘Very good relations with Afghanistan’
Addressing the ceremony today, Rashid also spoke about ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover. “Afghan Taliban had fought a war for years and got freedom for their country,” he said adding that “our sympathies lie with Muslims.”
“Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan are very good,” the minister said, adding that his ministry and military institutions had held several meetings with the Afghan Taliban.
He continued, “We want to live like good neighbours with Afghanistan,” adding, “Afghanistan’s progress is Pakistan’s progress, and the Taliban’s success is Muslims’ success.”
‘Pakistan incomplete without Kashmir’
Talking about the Kashmir, Rashid said the condition of Muslims in India and occupied territory was lamentable.”There will be elections in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh on February 10 and look how Muslims are living there. Look what Muslims are being subjected to in Delhi,” he said, adding that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party had not given a single ticket to a Muslim candidate for elections.
Expressing solidarity with the people of Indian-occupied Kashmir, he said, “Pakistan is incomplete without Kashmir.” “We want occupied Kashmir’s freedom,” he said, adding, “You decide what you want. We are standing with you for your freedom.”
Turning his attention to the opposition, he said their days were numbered in politics. “Nawaz Sharif’s politics will end just like Nasla Tower was demolished and the decline of PPP’s politics will be similar to the demolition of Tejori Heights,” he commented.
Rashid held the opposition responsible for growing inflation in the country, saying that they had looted Pakistan’s wealth and taken it abroad. “I will not flee after showing a fake medical certificate,” he added, taking an apparent jibe at PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif.
