ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed withdrew his statement on Sunday, saying he “did not name out any specific party” in an apparent reference to PML-Q leaders who had reportedly requested the ouster of Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar.
“I am not like others who have five seats and blackmail the premier to assume the chief minister’s post,” Rasheed stated a day ago.
The interior minister explained in today’s statement that when he used the term “blackmailing,” he did not refer to the PML-Q or the BAP. Rasheed went on to say that Chaudhry Shujaat is “my brother” and wished him well. Rasheed stated, “I will never speak against him.”
He continued, “We are standing behind PM Imran Khan like a brick wall,” reiterating that the premier will complete his five-year term in power.
“Imran Khan’s position will become obvious in two days. The country would honor whoever sticks with Imran Khan “He asserted.
The interior minister responded to a query about the no-confidence motion by saying that the opposition is doing what they always do.
“I used to be in the Opposition, and we used to make such ridiculous assertions,” he remarked.
When asked about the National Assembly session, Rasheed stated that the speaker must call the meeting and that the speaker’s choice will be legitimate and constitutional.
“The speaker’s decision cannot be challenged in any court. The days from March 22 to 30 are very important,” he said.
Rasheed and Minister for Water Resources Moonis Elahi came face to face yesterday in Quetta, when Rasheed informed journalists that he isn’t among those allies who “blackmail” Prime Minister Imran Khan for the top job in Punjab.
Elahi responded by saying he respected Rasheed but reminded him not to forget his history.
“Sheikh Rasheed may have forgotten that the current leaders of the [PML-Q] were the ones who used to give him money when he was a student,” the federal minister continued.
“Balochistan Awami Party takes its own choice, not Sheikh Rasheed,” BAP President Jam Kamal Khan remarked in reaction to the interior minister’s remarks.
