ISLAMABAD — Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has warned that the government will take strict legal measures against anyone attempting to march towards Islamabad during the protest announced by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for September 27.
Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad on Friday, Naqvi said the government had completed its preparations to deal with the planned demonstrations and instructed law-enforcement agencies to maintain law and order.
The minister referred to a recent Islamabad High Court (IHC) ruling concerning the protection of citizens’ fundamental rights. He said that any violation of the court’s directions could result in contempt of court proceedings.
Naqvi said the authorities would take legal action against those violating the court order and would prevent protesters from entering or disrupting the federal capital.
He also urged the PTI leadership to organise demonstrations within their respective cities and provinces instead of attempting to move large groups towards Islamabad or other provinces.
According to the minister, the government’s primary responsibility was to protect the lives and property of citizens. He said law-enforcement personnel had also been given clear instructions regarding how to respond if violence or the use of firearms occurred during the demonstrations.
Naqvi distinguished between peaceful political demonstrations and protests involving violence or weapons. He warned that organisers could face accountability if the situation resulted in loss of life.
The interior minister said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had repeatedly offered dialogue to the opposition through parliament. He maintained that political disputes should be addressed through talks rather than violent confrontations.
Government Preparations
Naqvi said a detailed meeting had been held with representatives of provincial administrations and federal law-enforcement agencies to review the security situation and preparations for the upcoming protest.
Authorities in Islamabad and Rawalpindi had already begun preparations in anticipation of the PTI demonstration, including security arrangements and measures aimed at managing possible disruptions.
The minister said the government would not allow a repeat of violent incidents witnessed during previous protests.
Kohat Attack
Speaking about the deadly attack in Kohat, Naqvi said the government and security agencies were focused on combating terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He urged the provincial government to give greater attention to counterterrorism efforts instead of focusing on organising long marches and political mobilisation.
Earlier on Friday, an explosives-laden vehicle detonated near a mosque in the Kohat Police Lines area, killing at least 21 people, including 15 police personnel, according to officials. More than 80 people were also reported injured.
Following the explosion, militants reportedly entered the compound and attacked police facilities.
Naqvi said the situation demonstrated the need for authorities to prioritise security and counterterrorism measures in the province.
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