Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed has said that the issue of the appointment of the new Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) director-general will be resolved by Friday.
He told journalists in Islamabad on Saturday that there was no rift between the government and the establishment over the issue of appointments.
The interior minister said “some elements are trying to make sensitive institutions controversial, but they will fail miserably.”
“The country’s enemies will fail to fulfill their wishes,” he said.
There is no threat to political government, he said, adding that things were moving in the right direction.
The interior minister said all issues related to the appointment of the ISI chief have been settled to the mutual satisfaction of the army and the Prime Minister’s Office.
“I had also met COAS Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, who is also comfortable with the way the situation has been resolved,” he said, assuring that the issue will be resolved by next Friday.
The announcement could even be made earlier than that, he added.
He said that on the directives of Prime Minister Imran Khan, Eid Milad-un-Nabi will be celebrated in a grand manner across the country with religious fervour and respect.
Rashid said that all arrangements had been finalised to hold functions on Rabi-ul-Awwal 12, including at the Convention Center, where the prime minister will deliver a speech.
Various events had been planned in the twin cities as Eid Milad-un-Nabi processions and rallies will be arranged in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, besides a number of other activities, he continued.
PETROL PRICE: Reacting to widespread criticism on the hike in fuel prices, he said that no ruler ever wants inflation.
Justifying the increase, he said that the wave of inflation has affected the entire world. The trend of increasing prices of petroleum, edible oil, wheat and other edible items in the international markets had repercussions in the country.
Regarding Afghanistan, he said that the long-lasting peace was a prerequisite for stability in the region and the international world.
He said that peace in Afghanistan was a must for peace in Pakistan and that Pakistan wants peace and stability in Afghanistan.
The world knows that Pakistan is a responsible country in the region. “We want peace in Afghanistan and are ready to support [Afghanistan] on humanitarian grounds,” Rashid continued.
He said that the international community should support Afghanistan on humanitarian grounds.
