Blasphemy is not tolerable at any cost: Sheikh Rashid

ISLAMABAD: Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad has said certain elements are out to cause damage to democratic order and economy of the country under the cover of processions for Namoos-e-Risalat and cautioned they will not be allowed to do so in any way.

He was addressing a press conference here Saturday in PID. He told that President general Pervez Musharraf would be proceeding to China on the invitation of Chinese President to attend the 55th anniversary of Sino-Pak friendship on Monday. During his visit, both the countries would sign 13 agreements to promote mutual cooperation in various fields.

He went on to say that President was going to undertake visit of Pakistan’s time tested friend, China. Anti state elements killed 3 Chinese engineers which is a conspiracy. It is tarnishing Pakistan’s image. Ahead of President Bush visit to Pakistan some people want to prolong the movement to serve their interests.

Arrangements were in place for the security of Chinese engineers. Engineers came out without security cover. The reason is not known to us. Action is being taken against those who have claimed responsibility of this incident.

Rocket launchers were being fired in Balochistan since my childhood but media was not free in those days, he told.

He underlined that students grow emotional forthwith, therefore, educational institutions were shut.

He told that talks were held with the Afghan president Hamid Karzai with open mind.

President will discuss with the Chinese leadership regional situation, political and defence matters during his visit, Information minister told. President will also address Chinese traders, he added.

Regarding "Namoos-e-Risalat" government makes it clear that the holy prophet (PBUH) is dearer to the whole Muslim Ummah than their lives and property. No blasphemous act is tolerable at any cost. Pakistan took every step which was possible in this regard, he held.

Some people attend the religious processions with vested interests, he said adding that they want to harm economy and democratic order in the country. This can not be allowed, he warned. Depot of Daeewo company was torched with motives. Offices of telephone company were attacked. What was the fault of those who had purchased motor cycles on installments, he questioned.

Processions and public meetings are not allowed in Islamabad, he indicated. MMA leadership has been informed that such activities are not allowed in federal capital. Some elements want to achieve their designs from the religious demonstrations.

He told that Denmark embassy was closed down without giving any information to us.

He alleged PPP-P of pursuing double standards. PPP-P leadership is giving impression to the world that the extremists are gaining strength in Pakistan and on the other side, the party is holding demonstrations on blasphemy issue.

On uniform issue, he said that sufficient months were left in the advent of December, 31, 2007 to talk about uniform issue. Decision will be taken when time comes.

He underscored that Balochistan was doorway to the development of Pakistan. We have to work for the uplift of the province. Army is present there for security purposes.

Citing to Durand line, he said it makes no difference if it is accepted or otherwise by any side.

He indicated that the president general Pervez Musharraf would talk to the OIC secretary general on the sacrilegious sketches. Therefore, he is coming to Pakistan.

To a question he said that Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s talks with Kashmiri leadership is a good omen as President Bush was due to visit Pakistan. President Musharraf has asked US for arbitration over Kashmir issue.

He held that issue of publication of blasphemous cartoons started in September 2005 and we can not divert our attention from other matters by spending one full year in the protest demonstrations.