Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has cautioned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) against attempting to conduct a march toward Islamabad, warning that individuals seeking to enter the federal capital in contravention of legal provisions will encounter severe repercussions.
During a press briefing held in Lahore, Naqvi stated that PTI was preparing to “breach” Islamabad but retained the opportunity to reassess its course of action and circumvent a situation offering no alternative resolution.
He emphasized that there would be no advantage in attempting to access Islamabad and that the government would prevent circumstances in which the nation remained paralyzed for 10 to 20 days.
Naqvi asserted that the majority of PTI’s senior officials opposed proceeding with the extended march and urged the organization to refrain from damaging itself or its membership. He noted that political discourse and intimidation would not alter the government’s stance, emphasizing that authorities would ensure comprehensive readiness should the party advance with the march.
The interior minister indicated that should PTI proceed to Islamabad for a demonstration, the government would enforce the Islamabad High Court’s directives. The IHC has previously determined that political organizations cannot obstruct roads and thoroughfares and mandated that public finances and state resources should not be utilized to facilitate the proposed march.
Concerning PTI’s objectives, Naqvi remarked that the party itself lacked clarity regarding its intentions. He stated that if the objective pertained to a medical evaluation of PTI founder Imran Khan, such an evaluation had transpired the preceding evening. He further noted that the government would furnish medical care to Imran Khan in accordance with legal frameworks.
Naqvi additionally condemned the absence of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister and government officials from the funeral services of those killed in the Hangu incident, asserting that political disagreements ought not to escalate to such levels. The interior minister had independently paid respects to the family of martyred Captain Hamza Akram subsequent to the Hangu operation.
Regarding petroleum pricing, Naqvi explained that fluctuations in petrol costs were contingent upon variations in the worldwide energy sector.
On the issue of new provinces, the interior minister said people were strongly supporting the creation of new provinces and expressed hope that new provinces would be established. Earlier, Naqvi had said decisions on new provinces should be based on public opinion and national consensus.
Naqvi’s remarks come ahead of PTI’s already announced September 27 protest and march towards Islamabad, for which the government has said security arrangements are being made in accordance with the Islamabad High Court’s directives.