ISLAMABAD – Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid claimed on Monday that Prime Minister Imran Khan has never mentioned declaring a state of emergency or the presidential system at cabinet sessions.
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He also said he was unaware of a possible federal cabinet reshuffle, claiming that no one approached him about a change in his portfolio.
During a weekly press conference in Islamabad, the minister was asked a question.
According to a report published in this paper last week, the prime minister is expected to reshuffle the portfolios of his ministers as a result of their poor performance. Sheikh Rashid was also rumoured to be in the running for the position of Information Minister.
Rashid, on the other hand, stated that he has not yet been approached and that if he is, he will offer his own opinions on the topic.
In response to a question about the IMF bailout plan, Rashid stated that Pakistan dislikes going to the IMF. “To rebuild our economy, we have sought a bailout from the IMF 23 times,” he added.
In response to the passing of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Amendment Bill, the minister stated that despite the opposition’s majority in the Senate, not a single government resolution had been blocked in over three years.
“The opposition has failed badly,” he added, adding that a hypothetical no-confidence vote against the prime minister will also fail.
In response to the long march, Rashid stated that the opposition can march all they want on Islamabad, but they will be defeated.
“All other parties are aware of the delicate situation,” he stated, “but only [JUI-F and Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) chairman] Maulana Fazlur Rehman wants to march at all costs.”
He stated terrorism has escalated across Pakistan, notably in Balochistan, when asked about terror attacks. He also stated that the military, in collaboration with the Pakistani people, will put a stop to the current wave of terrorism.
The minister further stated that the administration will hold nationwide demonstrations on February 5 to commemorate Kashmir Solidarity Day.
In response to the US-China competition, he stated that Pakistan wishes to maintain relations with both countries. “While the US is a global power, China is Pakistan’s all-weather buddy,” he continued.
China has no objections to Pakistan going to the IMF, according to Rashid, who also stated that Beijing is aware of Pakistan’s economic situation.
