Terrorism, a cancer in Pakistan: Malik
ISLAMABAD, MAR 4 (APP): Interior Minister Rehman Malik Friday termed terrorism as cancer, which was gripping the country over the last 20 years, but owing to the prudent policies of Government people were able to live in a free environment.“Terrorists did their utmost to endanger the security of Pakistan, but they were defeated on western borders of the country and had then resorted to target-killing,” Malik said while talking to reporters at Parliament House.The minister said all precautionary measures were put in place to overcome terrorism and extremism, adding all political forces of the country had rendered great sacrifices in this respect. Terrorists had no religion,nationality or boundaries, he added.
Malik said considerable leads terming as “good clues” in the assassination of Federal Minister for Minorities Affaris, Shahbaz Bhatti had been found. However, he did not reveal any details about the probe.
He, however, appeared resolute to figure out the killing of Shahbaz Bhatti and asserted no case of such nature that took place in Islamabad had remained unsolved.
Earlier, the minister hailed the government’s decision to reduce prices of petroleum products and dedicated what he called success to the President, Prime Minister, Finance Minister and Altaf Hussain. “PPP and all other political parties are working for the people,” he added.
Malik acknowledged there was continued pressure by IMF, but said Government never succumbed to such international urgings rather it always took into consideration welfare of the masses.
Asked what led the government to frequently change its decision on petroleum prices, Interior Minister said the issue must not be made the subject of point-scoring, adding it had marked the difference between democracy and dictatorship. “We do everything what is good for the people,” he remarked.