'Law violators to be booked under Anti-Terrorist Act'

Federal Interior Minister Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao has said the government would arrest all those under anti-terrorist act trying to take law in their hands by forcing people to respond to their strike calls. "Cases will be registered under anti-terrorist act against those who try to block roads and force the shopkeepers to close their businesses," he said while talking to media persons after reviewing the passing out parade of 22nd batch of Police Recruits here on Thursday.
State Minister for Interior Affairs Dr Waseem Shahzad, Inspector General Tallat Mahmood Tariq, SSP Liaqat Ali Khan, SP Investigation Eshan Sadiq, SP Diplomatic Enclave Zubair Hashmi and a large number of police officers were also present.
Sherpao observed that nation wanted to live in healthy and peaceful environment adding the traders community also wanted to run business activities in smooth and unhindered manner.
"People are not lending ears to various calls for observing black days and strikes, which clearly shows that they have rejected the politics of agitation," and added "We will take strict action if any one would try to take law in hands".
He said country had made tremendous development under the leadership of President General Pervez Musharraf and the economy was showing considerable growth. The democratic institutions were getting strengthened and the government was making all out efforts for the development of the country.
To a question about MMA leadership in case of blocked roads and shutting down business centres forcefully, Sherpao categorically said, "no one would be allowed to violate law of the land." "Infringers will be taken to the task to maintain the writ of the law".
Minister said the Ministry of Interior had not received any application from the former Prime Minister Mian Mohammad Nawaz Sharif for the renewal of his passport. "Nawaz has not applied for renewal of the passport so far," he added.
To another question about the growing traffic problems in the capital, Aftab Sherpao said a comprehensive plan had been chalked out to overcome the problem. He said they had planned to construct fly-overs and underpasses at various places to ensure smooth flow of the traffic in the capital city.
Earlier, the minister lauded the efforts of capital police in reducing crime rate and providing security to VVIPs and advised them to be friendly with the common men.