Govt not to stop Azadi March under democratic norms, says Ijaz Shah
- By Web Desk -
- Oct 31, 2019
ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Ijaz Shah on Thursday said that the federal government will not become a barrier in the organisation of the opposition’s Azadi March following the democratic norms, ARY News reported.
While addressing a press conference along with Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information Firdous Ashiq Awan, Ijaz Shah urged Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman to respect court orders while holding its march.
“PM Imran Khan had decided that the government will not stop [opposition’s] march under the democratic norms. The permission closed all doors to the elements willing to create chaos in the country.”
Read: Maulana’s Azadi March could be a catastrophe: Ijaz Shah
“We are democratic people and believe in dialogues. For the first time in history, the federal government constituted a dialogues’ committee under the supervision of [defence minister] Pervez Khattak. The dialogue team and the opposition’s Rehbar Committee had made an agreement over five points where both sides made a decision over a venue to organise the protest march.”
“The premier had said that he will not stop Maulana Fazl as he had also held many protests. However, Maulana Sahib can enter into [federal capital] Islamabad in light of the court orders.”
The interior minister Ijaz Shah detailed that the JUI-F chief has now decided to hold a long march on October 3. He added that Maulana Fazl’s demands have now increased to three from two.
Read: Peshawar court orders roads to be kept open for traffic despite Azadi March
“Only Maulana knows well whether he is going to hold a march or sit-in. He is welcomed to organise march but he should also respect the court orders.”
“In the last four day, only 20-25 thousand people have reached to Gujar Khan from Sindh. The authorities have provided all facilities to the marchers including water, electricity and a proper traffic plan. It is our responsibility to provide security to the participants of the Azadi March.”