Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar briefed the meeting about the arrest of PTI chief Imran Khan in Al Qadir Trust corruption case as per law and his sudden release on the order of Supreme Court of Pakistan.
Briefing the meeting, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah condemned the attack by PTI workers on sensitive national institutions, buildings, Jinnah House, desecration of martyrs monument, arsons, blocking Swat Motorway, burning of Radio Pakistan and other public and private buildings.
The minister said such violent acts could not be termed constitutional and democratic protest rather it was terrorism and anti-state activities which are intolerable.
The federal cabinet paid homage to the people of Pakistan for showing indifference to the arrest of the mastermind of 60 billion rupees corruption, anti-state activities and terrorism and instead supported the constitution and law.
The federal cabinet also paid tribute to the armed forces, Pakistan Rangers, police and law enforcement agencies for risking their own lives to protect the lives and properties of the people as well as the government amidst firing by the armed miscreants.
The meeting expressed solidarity with the law enforcement agencies and made it clear that they stood by them for action against those creating lawlessness.
The federal cabinet expressed concern over the interference by Chief Justice of Pakistan in an “open and shut” case of corruption and corrupt practices which led to the arrest of Imran Khan as per the law.
The meeting also regretted President Arif Alvi’s letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif yesterday which the cabinet members believed was tantamount to acting like a party worker, instead of the head of state.
Meanwhile it was also reported by media that most of the cabinet members on Friday advised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to declare emergency in the wake of prevailing situation in the country.
The cabinet met here with the premier in the chair to review the situation after the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan on May 9.
According to sources, the members expressed their concern over the violence following the arrest of PTI chief.
The members were of the view that the security situation in the country was getting out of control and the prime minister should take immediate steps.
The premier assured them of “positive steps” but after consulting coalition partners in the PDM with whom he would meet at 3 pm.
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) have reportedly opposed the proposal to ban Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
In a recent development, sources have revealed that the federal cabinet failed to reach a consensus as several federal ministers have recommended imposing ban on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, including measures such as a ban on public gatherings and a freeze on party activities.
The recommendations were made in response to the growing concerns over the party’s alleged involvement in incidents of violence and harassment.
However, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) have reportedly opposed the proposed restrictions on the PTI, citing concerns over freedom of expression and the right to protest.
In response to these developments, the federal minister for information has made it clear that the government’s policy is to condemn extremism and that they are against any restrictions that may impinge upon civil liberties.
However, he also emphasized that those who have caused unrest and engaged in criminal activities must face legal action.
