ISLAMABAD, Sep 18 (Alliance News): Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Friday warned that the government would stop any attempt to march on Islamabad and said those bringing protesters to the capital would be held responsible for any loss of life during the demonstration.
The warning came shortly after the Islamabad High Court (IHC), in its 37-page detailed verdict, ruled that no political party has the lawful right to occupy public roads, highways or government buildings in connection with a petition against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) planned long march to Islamabad on September 27.
Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Naqvi said the IHC verdict left no room for any attempt to “storm Islamabad” and warned that those violating the court order would face contempt of court proceedings.
“If someone comes out after the court’s decision, we will first initiate contempt of court proceedings. Otherwise, we will not allow anyone to come out,” the minister said, adding that the provinces had also been informed.
Referring to discussions on social media about people from a particular tribe coming to Islamabad, Naqvi said political activity was different from arriving in the capital in the form of armed groups.
“You should certainly protest, but do so in your own area and city,” he said, calling for peaceful protests to be held in the respective provinces.
The interior minister said Islamabad could not be shut down and attacks could not be allowed under the guise of political protest.
Naqvi also referred to the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, saying the government was fighting terrorism in the province and urging political leaders to focus on countering militancy rather than organising protests, gatherings or fundraising.
“It does not look good to carry the funerals of martyrs on one hand and prepare for a sit-in on the other,” he said.
He added that if the provincial government showed the same level of preparedness in confronting terrorists as it did for a sit-in, terrorism could be reduced considerably.
At least 16 people, including five police officials, were killed and more than 50 injured after explosions targeted a mosque inside Kohat Police Lines during Friday prayers in KP, according to the report.
“We are ready this time and will not allow the disorder that some people have spread in the past,” Naqvi said.
He said the Interior Ministry’s responsibility was to prevent groups from entering Islamabad and that preparations had been completed in consultation with all provinces.
“If they want to bring a group, we are fully prepared,” he said.
The minister urged opposition leaders to reconsider the decision to hold the protest.
He also asked PTI to conduct an internal survey, claiming that many of its members might not know why they were being asked to come to Islamabad.
“They [PTI] should think as patriotic Pakistanis,” Naqvi said.
Naqvi said he was personally opposed to placing containers on roads but added that law enforcement agencies required them to be installed when necessary.
He further said the KP government was responsible for maintaining law and order in the province.
