ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on Monday hinted at some foreign handlers of Muhammad Sikandar, main character of the Islamabad standoff, as he revealed complexity of the drama staged on August 15 at Jinnah Avenue and assured to take the investigation to a logical conclusion.

“The issue is not so simple. This incident points towards involvement of some officials and sensitive institutions and international mobsters. There are some handlers of Muhammad Sikandar and we shall unearth this conspiracy.”

This he said in a statement on the floor of National Assembly about the gunman who was shot and arrested at Jinnah Avenue in Islamabad after he fired randomly in the air and refused to surrender his automatic arms despite police requests.

“Some facts cannot be revealed before the House. But, if the Parliamentary leaders will desire to reveal, I shall have no objection. This issue also relates to some important issues of national interest,” he added.

Nisar was responding to a point of order raised by the Opposition Leader Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah who had raised questions on the capability of the security forces and the response of the government to this incident.

“I am answerable to this House. But this incident should not be exploited for point scoring and raising finger on performance of the government. We are part of the war against terrorism for the last 12 years. How can the decades old policies be changed within days,” he added.

The interior minister proposed to constitute a National Security Committee of the House and offered to work under it. “We want to deliver. Please help us. This issue relates to internal and external dimensions and actors. So put your money where your mouth is.”

“We have to collectively face this challenge. We have to collectively succeed. One who thinks this matter as too simple and tries to criticize and play politics, will be doing disservice to the country,” Nisar said.