Sharif Govt. says ready to register FIR on Model Town PAT deaths

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif told the National Assembly on Thursday that the Nawaz Sharif-led government is ready to begin the process of registering a First Information Report (FIR) in the Model Town case that resulted in the death of 11 Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) supporters.

Asif's declaration came even as anti-government protesters thronged the road outside Parliament. He said that the government is ready to nominate Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and other ministers in the FIR.

"A process for the FIR has started and the government will not appeal against court orders," the Dawn quoted Asif, as saying during a debate in the National Assembly.

However, he maintained that the government's fresh move amidst the heated political climate and resulting deadlock should not be misconstrued as vulnerability.

"Our offer for FIR was considered our weakness but nothing against law and constitution would be accepted," Asif said, dubbing it a "mature" suggestion.

The government's fresh offer is one of radical Dr. Qadri's demands to the government, along with the resignation of Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif as well as the dissolution of assemblies for the formation of what he terms a "people's parliament".

Later at a press conference outside the assembly building, Asif along with Railways Minister Saad Rafique pledged to fight for the supremacy of Parliament and constitution.

"Pakistan is for all - we are ready to the register case in the Model Town tragedy, we are willing to look into his demands," Asif continued.

"Our patience must not be taken to be our weakness," he said, adding, ""This is not about satisfying someone's ego. The prime minister had said that the Pariament as well the system needed to be protected.