Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Senator Pervaiz Rashid has said that the announcement of new Army Chief would be made by the prime minister according to the timeframe given in the constitution.
In an interview, the information minister said that the government is confronting challenges on all fronts including economy, politics, law and order and international relations. He refused to comment on what Senator Rehman Malik had been doing in the past but said everyone should condole the incident of Rawalpindi in which precious lives have been lost. He said those killed in the tragedy were Pakistanis and it does not make any difference to which sect they belonged.
Pervaiz Rashid said Chief Minister Punjab Mian Shahbaz Sharif has already ordered a judicial inquiry to arrive at a conclusion and those found responsible would be made to face the law of the land.
He regretted that processions do not remain peaceful in Pakistan which is a very dangerous trend. What is more worrisome is that sectarianism has crept into state institutions and personnel. He said as a result no place, including places of worship, is safe. He said the people of Pakistan are facing the consequences of mistakes committed by the state.
The information minister said Ulema were playing their role and the government would welcome those who would contribute positively.
In reply to a question he said the prime minister has to fulfill his national responsibilities and pointed out that the Commonwealth Summit was attended by heads of governments of other member countries. He said Pakistan has to play its due role at the international level and the visit of the prime minister was part of the national responsibilities.