ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed on Thursday hinted at early elections in the country, warning the members of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) that “switching parties won’t earn them any good”.
“Turncoats must also keep in mind that early elections can also be called in the country,” the federal minister said while addressing a press conference in Islamabad. “Those who are changing parties and thinking they will get respect, they are wrong,” he added.
Rasheed’s comments come as the political temperature continues to move up, especially in Punjab and the Centre, after the Opposition filed a no-confidence motion against the premier.
The prime minister, however, has ruled out stepping down from office and vowed to counter every move the Opposition throws his way. However, the joint Opposition has also claimed that the government’s allies have parted ways with the PTI.
Talking to journalists today, the interior minister further said the nation would only hear “good news” from now, as he claimed that the government was also in talks with the Opposition members.
“We also have support from the Opposition members who will not vote during the no-confidence motion. We have the support of those Opposition members who are responsible,” Rashid said. He said allies generally took more time in taking decisions. “Those who are genuine remain intact with democracy and their party,” he added.
“Let me tell you with responsibility that nobody is going anywhere,” the minister emphasised, saying he met Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar who was firmly standing with Imran Khan. “He is also not going anywhere,” Rashid said regarding Buzdar.
The minister also said that he was not in touch with disgruntled PTI leader Jahangir Tareen — whose group has made it clear whether they will support the PM or not. “Jahangir Tareen is a good man, may God bless him with good health,” he added.
Talking about the March 27 jalsa, Rashid said PM Imran Khan would hold a “historic” jalsa in Islamabad on March 27, where the PTI aims to gather one million people to send a message that “we stand with the truth”.
The interior minister also said that he has instructed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to take prompt action against those maligning the military and the judiciary. “Pakistan’s army is great,” the minister said, as he stressed the need for a stable military.
