Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal said on Saturday that the forces afraid of democratic process are endeavouring to create an atmosphere of instability ahead of general elections 2018. Talking to media, he also questioned the behaviour of such elements who start chanting the mantra of accountability soon before the general elections.
He said a similar mantra was repeated by these elements ahead of 2013 general elections demanding accountability before elections and seeking a preference to state over elections. It was an effort to sabotage the electoral and democratic processes in the country, he claimed.
He warned that such tactics would destine to a complete failure once again as the people of Pakistan are politically alive now. "Even the illiterate segments of society are equally aware of their political rights. They will not let these forces sabotage the democratic process," he warned.
On the security situation in Pakistan, he said that sincere efforts on the part of government have blocked terrorist activities in Karachi where extortion had become norm of the day. "Today, tickets for the Pakistan Super League are being sold there," he added.
He termed it a real change in the last five years, adding that no one was willing to invest in the country just five years ago but Pakistan has benefited from billions of dollars of investment today because of China Pakistan Economic Corridor, contributing heavily to the infrastructural development and power sector.
He also expressed hope that the opposition will be in agreement with the government over the caretaker set-up. "There is also a conspiracy theory floating around that these elements will try to prevent consensus on the caretaker prime minister so that a third force ends up bringing in a prime minister of their own. We will not let this happen," he said with determination.
He invited the leader of the opposition to work with the prime minister to reach an agreement regarding caretaker set-up in a fair and transparent manner.