ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Minister for Information, Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Murtaza Solangi on Monday regretted the “false and baseless” claims of a British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) journalist regarding an interview appointment. “I am no stranger to giving an interview to the media as I have been appearing on many local and international television channels since I assumed the position of Interim Minister of Information and Broadcasting,” Solangi said on a private news channel’s talk show. .
He said the BBC journalist had not been invited for an interview and his claims about the appointment in that regard were “false and unsubstantiated”. The minister said that the journalist tried to give the impression that he had been given a deadline for the interview, even though he himself confirmed otherwise. It was heard on the video that he was not given time for the interview.
Entering anyone’s jurisdiction without permission and that too with a camera was not allowed, he added. “There is evidence of a conversation with the journalist in question,” the minister said, regretting lying to security personnel about the conversation. Despite such uncalled for behavior, no action was taken against the journalist, the minister said. Solangi said the BBC should also review its “behavior” as an institution such as it was not expected to release such footage. When asked, he said there was no political uncertainty in the country.
There was a division of mandate and no political party was in a position to form the government on its own, he said, adding that talks were underway between the parties to form the government. He said the National Assembly session could be convened by February 29. In response to another question, he said that the government will complete its term after its formation. As for the protests, he said complaints were heard after every election. “There are relevant forums including the Election Commission for registering complaints.” Many people, including those in other countries, did not know the exact role of the commissioner in the election, he said, adding that some elements were aimed at creating insecurity in the country.
