Senior journalists smell a rat over TLP-govt pact

Senior journalists and analysts expressed concerns over concealing the details of the government-TLP deal sealed to call off a march towards Islamabad.

During 24NewsHD programme DNA, Salim Bokhari, Iftikhar Ahmad, PJ Mir and Javed Iqbal took up govt measures to solve public problems. Iftikhar Ahmed said the accord reflected the French ambassador' issue was not taken up and Mufti Muneeb too admitted that the TLP withdrew from the French ambassador's case.

Salim Bokhari said Mufti Muneeb had earlier said the expulsion of the French ambassador was not an issue. PJ Mir said Mufti Muneeb claimed he told the army chief that in the incident of Lala Masjid, the Liberals kept making noise against the government till 12 o'clock but when the operation took place, they called the people of Lal Masjid oppressed. 

Iftikhar Ahmed said this was a temporary solution and he added this agreement will be broken again because it government lacks the ability to keep it intact. Javed Iqbal said that the government first declared TLP an Indian agent and reached a deal, hurting the sentiments of lawmen who braved stone-pelting, violent attacked and made sacrifices. 

They were of the view that such steps resulted in leaving people in the lurch. The government has let them enter mainstream politics. PM’s package to provide the inflation-hit people with relief also came under discussion. Javed Iqbal said along with the package, the Prime Minister also said he has to get Rs120 billion from the pockets of the people by making petrol more expensive. 

Utility stores have already made food items more expensive even before the relief package and if the government institution is not under their control, what can be expected from the general market, Iftikhar Ahmed said. Salim Bokhari said the Prime Minister's relief package of Rs120 billion is less than cumin in the mouth of a camel.