Rafique asks govt not to use force against protesters

ISLAMABAD: Reacting to the government’s stance over ongoing tension after top court’s verdict in Asia Bibi case, member National Assembly, Khawaja Saad Rafique, said the government must avoid use of force against protesters demonstrating on the streets.

Speaking on the floor of the House, he said the religion card that was used against the previous government was now being used once again.

“We watched the address of Prime Minister Imran Khan yesterday and his body language was looking quite firm…and it shouldn’t be that way,” he remarked.

He said the PM should have come to the parliament and take people into confidence regarding the ongoing issue.

The former minister also called upon the government not to use force against protesters [demonstrating after the apex court verdict acquitting Asia Bibi in blasphemy case].

We don’t want democracy to be affected in any case, he said.

Taking exception to PM’s first speech, Rafique said it was astonishing that the premier offered ‘container’ [to opposition parties] in his maiden speech.

“Believe us; we don’t want to exploit the current political situation. We request the government not to use force against protesters…they [government] are sitting there on the treasury benches, tomorrow they could be on the opposition side,” stated Rafique.

The former minister said it was our collective responsibility to protect the integrity of Pakistan.

Those who are protesting on the streets today are the ones frequented by the incumbent government leaders in the past, said Saad Rafique.

He also sought explanation from the government over reports of Israeli aircraft landing in Islamabad, and asked to ‘clear the confusion’.