Iqbal made these remarks during an interview with Voice of America, where the interviewer had asked him what the PML-N was doing for the release of Ali Wazir, who remains incarcerated since December 2020.
The interviewer commented that the demand for Ali Wazir's release keeps getting raised, and he keep getting arrested in subsequent bogus cases, and asked what the PML-N government is doing or will do for Wazir's release.
Iqbal responded that in light of the 'grand reconciliation' that is taking place within the country, where talks are being held with the TTP, the PML-N wants the mainstreaming of 'dissidents within the country'. He added that the party doesn't want to give anyone a reason for thinking they are being singled out, or being treated differently.
At this, the interviewer asked if he was of the opinion that Ali Wazir was being singled out, to which Iqbal said, "If he [Ali Wazir] remains in jail, then of course his sympathizers and supporters will think that," adding, "It doesn't matter if he is or isn't being singled out, politics is all about perception, and on the basis of this perception, people spread mistrust in society."
Previously on July 16, an anti-terrorism court (ATC) granted bail to Ali Wazir in a case accusing him of ‘inciting’ people against state institutions.
The ATC-XV judge granted bail to Wazir subject to furnishing a surety of Rs500,000 and directed the prison’s authorities to release him forthwith if his custody is not required in any other case.
However, it merits mentioning here that Wazir would still not be set free since he is also facing trial in another identical case lodged against him at the Boat Basin police station.