'Some elements exploiting situation'

PESHAWAR Expressing deep concern over the killings of angry protesters in Abbottabad, Provincial Information Minister Mian Iftikhar Husain has said that a judicial commission would be constituted soon to probe the incident. Some elements are out to sabotage the peace in the area by inciting the people for protests, Iftikhar remarked while briefing the media. He said that Awami National Party believes in democracy and they have got their right through a long democratic struggle. However, he mentioned that despite of this they are ready to redress the reservations of these opposing the NWFP renaming. He added that the NWFP government would soon arrange a meeting with a representative and independent jirga of the people of Hazara, in which their valuable suggestions would be given due respect. He said that the country is not able to afford sectarian and racial prejudices as the government still engaged in the war against terrorism. He urged PML-Q President Shujaat Hussain to stop the people from resorting to violence and appealed the masses to remain calm and peaceful. He said that this is not the time to play with the precious lives of the people, as this kind of politics would lead the region to the verge of destruction. He said that the provincial government has already directed police not to apprehend any protestor, as peaceful protest rallies are part of the democratic process. According to him, police resorted to baton charge and tear gas shelling when the protesters hurled stones on them. He said why didnt these people protest against the bill when the same was tabled in the National Assembly. Actually the masses are being instigated by some hidden elements to deteriorate the peaceful atmosphere and block the passage of the amendment by Senate, he said. To a question regarding the army deployment in Abbottabad, he said that the provincial government is trying not to deploy the army in the areas. However, he mentioned that restoring peace in the area is the provincial governments responsibility. APP adds: The government will consult and take into confidence political leadership of Hazara on renaming of NWFP as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, said Chief Minister Ameer Haider Khan Hoti Monday. Government will welcome positive criticism as it believes on freedom of expression. However, no body would be allowed to disrupt peace of Abbottabad, saying that PML-N was being targeted in Hazara by its opponents, he told newsmen after addressing a ceremony hosted by the office bearers of All Pakistan Contractors Association-NWFP Chapter. The Chief Minister said that the objectives of the protestors could be realised from the fact that they tried to hold their own programme in place of an already arranged PML-Ns Workers Convention. He said that Section 144 was imposed in Abbotabad in the wake of prevailing law and order situation. He said that leadership of Hazara and PML-N would be consulted about renaming of NWFP, adding that task was given to Information Minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain in the regard. The government, he said, will welcome negotiations with opponents.

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