Suspension of cellular services foils terror plans: Rehman Malik

Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik has claimed that the suspension of mobile-phone services on Yaum-e-Ishq-e-Rasool (Love of Prophet (PBUH) Day) had foiled the nefarious plans of terrorists.

While speaking to the media he observed, “If mobile phone is the root cause of the problem, we would surely curb its misuse. Soon, we will come up with a strategy as the idea was proved successful.”

He stated that he had asked the protestors to gather in F-9 Park or at D-Chock to record their protest and don’t damage the public and civil property.

While replying to a query, the minister said that he had sought a report on the killing of a private television channel’s driver during a demonstration in Peshawar, adding that he would talk to the prime minister for providing financial assistance to the victim’s family.

He continued that the law enforcement agencies handled the violent protestors with iron hand and that no one challenging the government’s writ will be spared.

There were intelligence reports of likely terror incidents in Peshawar, Quetta and Islamabad until Thursday night, he said.

Malik remarked, “The strategy of suspending cell phone service, however, got applause even from Karachi, where unprecedented peace has been witnessed for the very reason. Pillion riding had also been banned in Islamabad for a day, as motorcyclists holding batons and petrol bottles were seen to torch public properties.”

He was of the opinion that those whom come for peaceful protest never come with batons and petrol bottles in their hands, adding that some people were also seen shooting with pistols and other small arms. It seemed that they were coming for a feud with the government, he added.

When he was asked about the arrival of banned outfits’ activists, the minister said that known faces would be nabbed but at the present moment, police could not do anything against those who were unfamiliar.

“However, after yesterday’s (Thursday) action, the violent elements would have realized that we mean business. And even today, I mean business”.

Malik said that the government had already deployed Rangers to back police while the army has been put on alert to handle any emergency situation.

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Posted by Faisal Farooq on Sep 22 2012. Filed under National, Pakistan. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.