No pressure on Pakistan: Rashid

Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed has said that there was no pressure on Pakistan and all the steps were taken for the betterment, safety and future of the country. Talking to private TV, the minister said, whatever step was taken in the country, it is wrongly perceived by a group of people that it has been taken under pressure.
He said President General Pervez Musharraf very boldly clarified the latest situation of London attacks. The President's address to the nation was also telecast live world-wide and President very rightly addressed the countries blaming Pakistan, he added.
He said appropriate policy for the country was prepared, which was a right policy of President Musharraf. To a question, the minister said Pakistani security agencies arrested a number of persons having head money, besides nearly 700 other wanted persons were also detained.
"People of Pakistan are moderate, religious, pious and Muslims, but, we are not rigid people," he added. To a question, he said, those arrested in the recent raids were leaders of banned sectarian organisations against whom there were charges and they would be produced in courts.
He said, proof against them would be presented before the courts and courts would take decisions about them. He said after ban, these persons were working under the umbrella of other parties or organisations and it was decided that they be dealt accordingly.
He said, decisions were taken in the best interest of the country and in accordance with the prevailing situation. Replying to a question, the Minister said, conducive environment was being created so that people of the country can live in normal conditions.
He said, Madaris were preaching religious education and there was nothing wrong in it. But, if some Madaris are involved in wrong activities they would be taken to task.
He said, all Madaris should not be blamed. Internationally, fingers are being pointed towards all the Madaris of the country, which is wrong, he added.
Answering a question, he said, the President time and again has said madaris that are spreading terrorism would be dealt with iron hand.
He said, no operation was being conducted against madaris. Pakistan was a frontline state in the war against terrorism and those who are pointing fingers towards Pakistan should realise the situation, he added.
The Minister said, international media without any proof has targeted Pakistan, adding that in the present world, media is a powerful weapon and we should counter the propaganda of anti- Islamic and anti-Pakistan elements in an effective manner.