Nisar refrains from talking politics after Lahore terror attack

Apologises on FIA manhandling of journalists

ISLAMABAD: Condemning the Lahore blast, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on Monday has yet again postponed the much-awaited press conference in wake of the terror attack in Lahore, claiming at least 28 lives and injuring many others.

Talking briefly to media, the interior minister said that he wanted to hold an important press conference but the tragic incident makes difficult for him to speak on political issues.

Nisar focused his attention towards the Lahore blast and postponed his clarifications over the ongoing political unrest, rumours of the rift with the ruling party Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Panama case verdict.

The Interior Minister had delayed his press conference due to backache on yesterday as well. He mentioned the reason of his absence yesterday and said he is still not well. He condemned the Lahore blast near Arfa Karim Technology Park in which at least 28 people died according to reports.

Expressing a deep grief and sorrow over the tragic incident, he said that it deems inappropriate to focus on other issues in aftermath of the terror attack. "The attack makes my presser less important on the occasion, I am not cancelling it rather than postponing my press conference," Nisar added.

He highlighted that several law enforcement officers from police and other departments died in the attack as there was an ongoing anti-encroachment process in the area.  "We need to focus all our attention on this tragic incident," he said. 

He told it will be inappropriate to talk about political matters due to the grief. Nisar extended his support for the families of victims.

The Interior Minister apologised to media persons and said he will discuss the political unrest and rumours later on.

Two journalists, including a female reporter from private television channels were manhandled by officials of Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) when they tried to cover ex-Chairman of Securities & Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) Zafar Hijazi being treated at PIMS hospital. 

Nisar promised to take action against those involved, and the journalists from respective media organisations thanked him for his support.

The interior minister had immediately sought report of the incident. 

This was the second press conference of the interior minister which was postponed Monday. - NNI