Tag: Sheikh Rasheed

  • Iran’s interior minister arrives in Pakistan

    Iranian Interior Minister Dr Ahmad Vahidi has arrived in Islamabad today (Monday), where he was received by his Pakistani counterpart, Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed.

    During the meeting between the two ministers, both sides also discussed suggestions to overcome terrorism and about the formation of a stable Afghanistan.

    Dr Ahmad has come for a day along with his nine-member delegation. He will meet Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan and other officials to discuss the issues of prisoner swap and Pakistan-Iran border management, reports Radio Pakistan.

    Last week, Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef arrived in Pakistan on a day-long visit.

    The visit by the Iranian interior minister follows a string of militant attacks in Balochistan, which shares a long and porous border with Iran. 

  • ‘There will be war’: Sheikh Rasheed says no other way with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan

    ‘There will be war’: Sheikh Rasheed says no other way with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan

    Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed has said that talks with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) cannot move forward, reports Geo Urdu.

    Sheikh Rasheed told the Senate cabinet committee that talks with the banned TTP could not proceed, adding that the conditions imposed by the banned organisation were not acceptable and the ceasefire was broken by the banned organisation itself.

    Rasheed further said that a delegation has gone for talks but there are reports that the talks will not be successful. He also said that there will be a war with the banned TTP and that there is no other way to deal with the banned outfit.

    The interior minister further said that the TTP are present in the border area of ​​Afghanistan, some new groups have also joined them and are also in touch with India and Afghanistan.

    Rasheed said that security forces foiled a major catastrophe that could have occurred in Noshki and Panjgur while terrorists killed in Islamabad belonged to the same banned organisation.

    Rasheed on Thursday, while speaking on Geo News programme ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath’, said that there was a link between Baloch militant groups and the banned TTP, as well as other militant groups, to carry out terror attacks in Pakistan.

    Rasheed further revealed, “the banned TTP has started extortion in Peshawar.”

  • Banned Baloch organisations have the support of ISIS and TTP: Sheikh Rasheed

    Banned Baloch organisations have the support of ISIS and TTP: Sheikh Rasheed

    Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed, while speaking on Geo News programme ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath’, said that there was a link between Baloch militant groups and the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), as well as other militant groups, to carry out terror attacks in Pakistan.

    Rasheed further said that the Afghan Taliban acted as a bridge for conversation with TTP.

    “The Taliban tried to converse with TTP and make them understands things but the result turned out differently. Instead of negotiations, we are witnessing an increase in terrorism.”

    Rasheed said, “The banned TTP has begun demanding extortion in Peshawar.” He also said that the TTP may have been involved in the Naushki and Panjgur attacks on security forces.

    The Interior Minister stated that the Baloch Nationalist Army (BNA) was not capable of carrying out the attacks in Naushki and Panjgur, but that TTP could be behind those attacks. He further added that this was his own analysis.

    Sheikh Rasheed said that terrorists have contacts in India and camps in Afghanistan.

    He added that Daesh (ISIS) and other militant organisations are also increasing terrorism in the country.

    When asked by anchorperson Shahzeb Khanzada how the Afghan Taliban were allowing all the contacts between Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) and these militant groups, which were posing a threat to the security in Pakistan, Sheikh Rasheed said: “These groups are connected through phones. We have given a high alert. There is a great increase in terrorism and the situation can go to any side.”

    The interior minister said that TTP now has the latest weapons, all of North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) weapons are with them. Those weapons are also being sold, smuggled in Afghanistan and coming to Pakistan as well.

    Rasheed said that terrorists enter from Afghanistan to carry out attacks in Pakistan and go back, as happened recently in two major attacks on security forces; terrorists went back to Afghanistan after conducting attacks.

    On February 3, it was reported that two separate terrorist attacks have been successfully repulsed by the Pakistan Army in Balochistan’s Panjgur and Noshki areas.

    In a press release, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said “both attacks have been successfully repulsed while inflicting heavy casualties to terrorists”.

    According to the ISPR, terrorists were in contact with their handlers in Afghanistan. They said that after the Taliban’s takeover, we were told that attacks from the war-torn neighbour will stop but they have increased.

  • Pak army successfully stops terror attacks in Balochistan, heavy terrorist casualities

    Pak army successfully stops terror attacks in Balochistan, heavy terrorist casualities

    Two separate terrorist attacks have been successfully repulsed by the Pakistan Army in Balochistan’s Panjgur and Noshki.

    In a press release, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said “both attacks have been successfully repulsed while inflicting heavy casualties to terrorists”.

    According to the ISPR, terrorists were in contact with their handlers in Afghanistan. They said that after the Taliban’s takeover we were told that attacks from the war-torn neighbour will stop but they have increased.

    The attacks occurred late Wednesday evening, resulting in four soldiers embracing martyrdom and killing 15 terrorists. The terrorist tried to enter a security forces’ camp from two locations. The banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has reportedly claimed responsibility for the attacks.

    Today’s incidents are the latest in a string of attacks in Balochistan and come a week after ten soldiers were martyred in a terrorist attack on a security forces’ checkpost. Similarly, an incident occurred on January 30, when 17 people were injured in a grenade attack in the province.

    Following the news, Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan, in a tweet, said that the nation stands united behind the security forces of Pakistan.

    Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad has also issued a statement, praised the services of the security forces.

  • ‘It’s in the interest of the country that establishment and Khan be on same page’: Sheikh Rasheed

    ‘It’s in the interest of the country that establishment and Khan be on same page’: Sheikh Rasheed

    Federal Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed has said that there is no difference between Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan and the military leadership and it is in the interest of the country that the establishment and Imran Khan be on the same page.

    In an exclusive interview with BBC Urdu, Rasheed said that the military leadership had decided that it would stand by the elected government.

    Responding to a question about the differences between the government and the army, the minister said, “Small differences can happen. There may be differences of opinion between the civil government and the establishment, but they are on the same page.”

    Rasheed had recently stated that the hand of the establishment is on Imran Khan’s head and later said that he was asked to withdraw this statement.

    However, Rasheed said he was still standing by his statement and that he had been asked by a person in the civilian government, not the establishment, to withdraw his statement. “I did not name the establishment but I meant that the policies of the government and the institutions are on the same page,” he explained.

    Rasheed further said that the PM is adamant on the issue of corruption and accountability and that he fired many people from the party or positions who were accused or suspected of corruption. “Imran Khan can’t do more than that,” he said.

    Accountability was Imran Khan’s biggest slogan but we did not get the success we deserved, he added.

    Rasheed said that the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was trying to repatriate those wanted by the courts and the government in Pakistan, but he also complained that despite many efforts, it is still not possible for Ishaq Dar to return.

    Regarding the return of former PM Nawaz Sharif, he said that the government of Pakistan is trying to get him back. “We have been doing this for three and a half years. We sent him ourselves, it is our fault. He [Nawaz] managed to throw dust in everyone’s eyes and went out.”

    Rasheed said that the reason for the former adviser on accountability and interior Shahzad Akbar’s resignation and the Prime Minister’s displeasure with him was not only about bringing back Nawaz Sharif or Shehbaz Sharif but also because “we could not bring back the money”.

    Sheikh Rasheed says there is room for improvement everywhere in the accountability process. “We need to prepare cases well, be good lawyers. Imran Khan has no lack of intent, he says giving National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) would be treason.”

  • ‘Political humiliation awaits, don’t create any problem for law’: Rasheed warns Opposition

    ‘Political humiliation awaits, don’t create any problem for law’: Rasheed warns Opposition

    Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed on Wednesday said that the government will not create any hurdles for the Opposition but also warned that doing so would result in “political humiliation” for the Opposition alliance.

    Addressing a ceremony in Rawalpindi, Rasheed said, “If you want to anger them (representatives of OIC countries) for the sake of your personal politics then come on March 23 and don’t [change the date]. Come on [March] 23 and God willing, you will face a political defeat and be humiliated.”

    “We will create no problem for you if you don’t create any problem for the law.”

    “What is your agenda? Why are you marching towards Islamabad?” the interior minister asked the Opposition, as he reiterated that they would face no resistance from the government.

    “I kept telling them [to change their date] for a month. If they think they are very intelligent, if they were actually intelligent then maybe we might have faced a legal threat from them today … now come on March 23 and be humiliated,” Rasheed reiterated.

    “The only thing they have done is give irresponsible statements against Imran Khan. The public did not come out on the streets in the last 3.5 years, and they will not come out now,” he said.

    Rasheed said PM Imran Khan was “an honest man”, who had a good relationship with the “establishment”.

    He warned the Opposition that the prime minister would indeed be “very dangerous” if he were to take to the streets against it. “I say this with authority: Imran Khan has street power.”

    Earlier this week, Rasheed urged the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) to defer its long march, warning the Opposition of a potential terror threat.

    “Both Prime Minister Imran Khan and I love this country as much you (Opposition) do, but remember there is a terrorism threat on March 23,” he added.

  • Sheikh Rasheed warns of terror threat against Opposition’s long march, urges them to defer plan

    Sheikh Rasheed warns of terror threat against Opposition’s long march, urges them to defer plan

     Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed has urged the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) to defer its long march, warning the Opposition of a potential terror threat.

    “Both Prime Minister Imran Khan and I love this country as much you (Opposition) do, but remember there is a terrorism threat on March 23,” he added.

    The minister said that he is not “afraid of PDM’s long march but there are terrorism threats”, adding that Shaheed Benazir Bhutto was also told not to stage a procession in Rawalpindi because of security reasons but she went ahead with it despite the warnings.

    “Half of Islamabad will be under the control of [the government] and jammers will be installed there,” said Rasheed, adding that on March 23, foreign ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries will attend the Pakistan Day parade.

    “How will the Opposition [mark its influence] under such circumstances?” the minister questioned. 

    Rasheed said that he would suggest that the PDM show “strength in Islamabad on March 17 or 27”.

    Rasheed further said that after India faced its “biggest defeat” in Afghanistan, its intelligence agency Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) was now paying local criminals in Pakistan to sabotage peace here.

    Shedding light on talks between the government and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Rasheed said the talks were not being held anymore.

    “Talks are not possible with those [elements] who are against the integrity of Pakistan,” he underlined.

  • Alert issued after Lahore and Islamabad terror attacks

    Alert issued after Lahore and Islamabad terror attacks

    The Interior Ministry of Pakistan has issued a notification on Saturday in which it directed the Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) to exercise “extreme vigilance”.

    The notification alert has asked LEAs of all provinces, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan to tighten security measures to prevent any unforeseen terror attacks.

    “… In view of recent terrorist attack in Anarkali Bazar, Lahore and threat posed by activities of anti-state elements, all provincial and special area governments/Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) are requested to exercise extreme vigilance and be on alert to deal with any untoward situation,” the notification said.

    On January 17, militants opened fire on a police checkpoint in the vicinity of the Karachi Company Police Station in Islamabad. The incident resulted in a policeman’s death and two injuries. The Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility.

    After this incident, Interior Minister, Sheikh Rasheed has also warned of more terrorism-related incidents in Islamabad and said that the capital’s police and other forces are on alert.

    However, another terror attack on January 20 took place in which terrorists targeted the famous Anarkali market in Lahore. Three people died and 28 people got injured in the Lahore bomb blast. An investigation is still underway.

    Sheikh Rasheed also faced criticism from the Opposition for rising terrorism activities in the country. One of the senators from the Opposition commented that he “not seen the interior minister in the House for any briefing during the last nine months”.

  • ‘Establishment, Imran Khan are on same page, you fools’, Sheikh Rasheed refuses to take back statement

    ‘Establishment, Imran Khan are on same page, you fools’, Sheikh Rasheed refuses to take back statement

    Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed has revealed during a political talk show that he was asked to refute his statement that Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan is backed by the establishment.

    Last week during a press conference, while taking a jibe at the Opposition, Rasheed said, “They [Opposition] want that the hand [protecting] Imran Khan should be on their head as well,” adding, ” this hand can be on their [Opposition] neck but never on their head.”

    Rasheed’s words were indirectly hinting at the establishment.

    Speaking during Geo News programme, Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath’, Rasheed said, “I was asked to take back my statement on Imran Khan [where I had said that the hand protecting Imran Khan can be on Opposition’s neck but never in their support] but I will not take it back.”

    Anchorperson Shahzeb Khanzada repeating Rasheed’s statement said, “Your words are being quoted a lot. Your statement has gone to such an extent that people are saying that Director-General (DG) Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) should give a clarification in this regard.”

    Khanzada continued by saying, ” You say that they [Opposition] have been produced through gate number four [referrring to General Head Quarters (GHQ)] and now you say that the establishment supports Imran Khan.”

    “Establishment and Imran Khan are on the same page, you fools, minor issues do erupt, little music is being played. Just because one is singing the song doesn’t mean everything is going to shambles,” said Rasheed.

    Khanzada further asked Rasheed how does the government plan on going to it’s supporters knowing that the people will know that the establishment is backing PM Khan. To this Rasheed said that he needed time till April to get back and answer this.

  • Hand protecting Imran Khan can be on Opposition’s neck but never in their support, says Sheikh Rasheed

    Hand protecting Imran Khan can be on Opposition’s neck but never in their support, says Sheikh Rasheed

    Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed during a press conference, while taking a jibe at the Opposition, said, “They [Opposition] want that the hand [protecting] Imran Khan should be on their head as well,” adding, ” this hand can be on their [Opposition] neck but never on their head.” Rasheed’s words hint towards the establishment.

    Talking to the journalists, Rasheed said, “If the Opposition goes to International Monetary Fund (IMF) its halal but if Imran Khan does the same its considered haram.”

    “These people went 23 times to the IMF. This time around, the conditions of IMF were pretty tough, hence we were not left with any option but to go to IMF,” said Rasheed.

    Addressing the Opposition, Rasheed said that the Opposition is planning two different long marches toward the capital. He said that the government will provide them the way to continue their march but the Opposition should keep in mind the importance of March 23 and the respect one gives to the country on [the Resolution Day of Pakistan].

    “Important personalities from Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) are coming to Pakistan on March 23 and all eyes from India will be directed towards Pakistan as well,” said Rasheed.

    Accusing the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders of corruption, Raseed said, ” Shehbaz Sharif is more corrupt than Nawaz Sharif,” adding, “I am saying this based on my own knowledge.”

    “I would like to say a historical sentence that all four Sharif’s are minus from the politics of Pakistan,” said Rasheed.