The federal government will not allow any political or religious party to hold rally or sit-in at a time when the nation is fighting a war against militancy and terrorism in the country. This was stated by Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Pervaiz Rashid while talking to media after attending the inaugural ceremony of an exhibition titled "Evolving Imagery: Ukiyo-e and Contemporary Prints from Japan."
The minister said that protest rallies were in no way beneficial for the country at a time when military operation in North Waziristan Agnecy (NWA) was going on against the common enemy, which has shaken the whole country and needs to be eradicated through joint efforts.
Urging all political forces to get united for a national cause, he termed NWA operation as the war for survival of the country. "The terrorists are attempting to subjugate the system and want to establish their hegemony in a bid to achieve their nefarious designs," he added.
About the arrangements made for internally displaced persons (IDPs), the minister said that the IDPs were special guests of the government and all basic facilities including tents, food and medicines would be provided to them. "Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has reviewed arrangements made for the IDPs and a comprehensive report has also been submitted to him in this regard. The government would issue smart card to IDPs through which they can draw an amount given by the government," he added.
To a question about the return of Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief Dr Tahirul Qadri to the county, he said that the government had no plan to create any hurdle in his return. He said that the government would make public the findings of the judicial commission, currently probing into the Lahore incident.
Earlier, addressing the participants of the exhibition, he appreciated the efforts made by Lahore Arts Foundation Trust, Embassy of Japan and the Pakistan National Council of the Arts for introducing the unique Japanese art to the people of Pakistan. Japanese Ambassador Hiroshi Inomata, while addressing the participants, appreciated the promotion of Japanese art in Pakistan, adding that such events would further enhance the cordial relations between two countries.