ISLAMABAD: Federal Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan Sunday rejected Dawn News’ report and termed it as ‘fabricated’ after investigating into matter with support of sensitive agencies.
Chaudhry Nisar while addressing press conference here on Sunday criticised media houses over coverage of untrue stories which spread fabricated news amongst nationals.
He said the report was baseless which mentioned tensions amongst participants of the high-level meeting over discussion on non-state actors. He clarified that political and military leadership were always present on same page against non-state actors.
He added foreign secretary was also misquoted in the story as he used world ‘realignment’ instead of ‘isolation’ internationally which dented national interest.
He said names of investigation team into the matter will be announced on Monday. He said PM Nawaz Sharif has ordered to reach conclusive end of the investigation.
Nisar said he had investigated into matter with support of sensitive agencies, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and Safe City cameras. Nisar added he has presented his probe report and recommendations before the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif while the meeting was also attended by Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar.
The Interior Minister said Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Pervaiz Rashid should have tell the journalist not to publish the fake news. Rashid should contact Dawn News’ editor and administration if the journalist insists to publish the fake story, Nisar said.
Nisar said the news story was quoted by the journalist who will be needed in investigation. He said the government has met editorial board of the English newspaper where assurance was made that the journalist will not leave the country. He said it was also ensured the journalist will reach back to the country whenever he was needed. Nisar said it was the matter of national security which will be resolved soon.
He said that last meeting with Army Chief General Raheel Sharif was held in good environment while it was not a secret meeting. He said Punjab CM Shehbaz Sharif and Ishaq Dar were also included in the meeting over request of the Army Chief.
The second phase of the press conference will be held on Monday (tomorrow) as few verdicts have to come after hearing of case in Islamabad High Court (IHC).
While commenting over Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) call for Islamabad lockdown, Nisar said he has responsibility to ensure smooth running of courts and offices in the federal capital. He advised law enforcement agencies including police to stop lockdown of the federal capital.
He said police has ensured writ of the government within three days. He said Imran Khan has promised not to enter the Red Zone. He said the protestors have planned to storm into secretariat. Nisar said he personally respects Imran Khan and his political party. He said Imran Khan was messaged by him through a friend that he will fulfil his duties.
He clarified that police force belongs to Pakistan but not of Chaudhry Nisar and Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N). He vowed that all institutions and offices will remain open in the federal capital Islamabad.
While detailed over arrests of protestors, Nisar said the government will provide details of the arrested persons in the court on Monday. He said weapons, tear gas gun and bullet proof jackets were recovered from possession of the arrested persons. He questioned is this a democratic protest or war? He said no reason left to lockdown the federal capital when the court has summoned parties on November 01.
He said lockdown was a bid against state but not the government. Nisar added concerned authorities were advised not to take action against media, lawyers and women.
Commenting over protestors planned to arrive in Islamabad from PTI-led Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), he said a provincial government is coming to attack federal government. He said KP Chief Minister Pervez Khattak has raised issue of Pakhtuns and Punjabis but Pakhtuns were true patriots who cannot be used for ulterior motives.
The Interior Minister Afghan girl Sharbat Gula’s case is the matter of sensitive genre while she will be given bail on humanitarian basis.
