The government has allowed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to arrest former finance minister Shaukat Tarin on charges of sedition for allegedly derailing talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
While addressing a news conference in Karachi, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said that the inquiry against Shaukat Tarin had been completed and the government was allowing the FIA to arrest him.
The interior minister also said that an investigation against PTI chairman Imran Khan was underway and he too could soon be arrested.
Sanaullah claimed that Imran Khan had been engaged in creating political and economic instability in the country since his ouster in April last year.
The minister said that Tarin was an innocent man who fell into Khan's trap and committed an act that could have serious consequences for the country.
The FIA had sought the permission for initiation of criminal proceedings on sedition and other charges against the former finance minister on the basis of his audio clips, wherein he allegedly attempted to obstruct a "crucial loan program."
Sanaullah said the FIA had been given permission to arrest the former finance minister. He added that Tarin should be punished for his act to set an example.
While speaking about the rise in terror activities in the country, the minister admitted that talks with militant groups produce no results and that the government will no longer engage in negotiations with them.
Sanaullah said that the law enforcement agencies were fully prepared to deal with the fresh wave of terrorism in the country.
While talking about the elections, the minister said the Constitution gave a timeframe for holding polls. "Either the elections take place in April or October, we are ready for them," he claimed.
He said that the country is facing multiple challenges, and in such circumstances, trading allegations would be an inappropriate move. He added that the assemblies should be allowed to complete their tenures.