Sheikh Rasheed claims PTI marchers may resort to self-immolation

Former interior minister and Awami Muslim League leader Sheikh Rasheed has warned powers that be of the PTI long march — announced for the end of May — “turning bloodied” and urged them to mediate between the Shehbaz Sharif-led government and Imran Khan.

Speaking to reporters in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, Sheikh Rasheed claimed that PTI marchers may commit self-immolation during the march.

“I have told you about an important warning that the long march could turn bloody. The situation could grow horrible. For God’s sake, find a solution before the long march,” he said.

Rasheed claimed that MNAs who “sold” themselves for Rs200 million each were so afraid of a backlash that they did not offer Eid prayers in their hometowns.

Rasheed, who is a close ally of Imran Khan, said that the Shehbaz Sharif government enjoyed a very thin majority of two votes in the National Assembly and the PTI could topple the government by spending Rs1 billion and offering Rs250 million to four of the MNAs.

“I fear that Islamabad long march would be bloodied and under the conspiracy, the consequences would be disastrous,” he repeated, urging the powers that be to find a solution by May 31.

Rasheed also claimed that people from his constituency could be used for the “bloodbath.”

He claimed that fights had already broken out in the streets and an environment was being created that would lead people to set themselves on fire during the long march.

In an apparent reference to PTI’s claims about alleged foreign conspiracy, Rasheed said that the ‘interference’ was being diverted against the Pakistan Army.

The former interior minister said that the situation may turn ugly if the government resorts to a clampdown against protesters.

He said Asif Ali Zardari got Rana Sanaullah appointed federal interior minister so that Punjab faced unrest and PPP gained a foothold in the province.

Rasheed repeatedly demanded that fresh elections be announced before the long march kicked off and must be held within 90 days.

He said he would convince Imran khan to postpone the march.

Rasheed said that he had written to the services chiefs and DG-ISI on the issue.

He declared May 31 to be a crucial cutoff date for any talks, saying that after this day the government would be presenting the federal budget in the National Assembly and then it would be too late.

His press talks came within days of his interview given to Voice of America Urdu where he said that he was trying to clear misunderstanding between Imran Khan and the military.

Rasheed said that he was in favour of peace with the army but in case of a “war” he would support Imran Khan.

Rasheed also said that Imran never wanted to sit with other political leaders but he would sit with them to discuss elections.

Imran Khan last week called for a long march on Islamabad in the last week of May.

In a tweet on Tuesday, Khan said that by next Eid, which falls around July 10, PTI supporters would be “on the path to true freedom.”

ملک بھر میں اور بیرونِ ملک مقیم پاکستانیوں کو دلی عید مبارک! آئندہ عید پر ہم حقیقی آزادی کی منزل کیجانب گامزن ہوں گے، انشاءاللہ!

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) May 3, 2022