Zardari will soon start returning money to government: Rashid

Federal Minister for Railways Sheikh Rashid Ahmed claimed on Thursday that former president Asif Ali Zardari will soon start returning money to the government and will file a plea bargain till March 2020.

Talking to the media, Ahmed said Zardari is granted bail by the Islamabad High Court on medical ground and it is good.

He said the government has been taking steps to address the issue of inflation, adding that only Prime Minister Imran Khan can take people out of their problems. Replying to a question, the minister said Pakistan stands by Kashmiri brothers and sisters.

Commenting on the controversial Indian Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019, Rashid said that Modi is turning India into an extremist Hindu state where Muslims are being denied citizenship.

"Modi is unaware that UP and CP's Muslims will also awake and his government is standing with the support of Muslims," he said. He urged youth to play their role in the progress of the country. Rashid asserted a strong economy is important to formulate independent policies and ensure a strong defense.

"Pakistan is rich in natural resources including oil and gas but resources were not truly exploited," he pointed out.

He said new chief election commissioner should be neutral as the opposition did not accept the results of 2013 and 2018 general elections, adding those demanding early elections should be ashamed of their demand.

Replying to a query the minister strongly condemned the violent attack on Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) on Wednesday which reportedly claimed lives of seven patients.

"The lawyers have proved ignorance," he said, adding Pakistan has become a laughing stock due to their act.