ISLAMABAD (MNN); Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Monday urged Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) to reconsider its planned September 27 nationwide protest and march towards Islamabad, warning that the government would take all necessary steps to enforce the law if the party proceeded.
Speaking at a press briefing, Naqvi said there was still time for PTI to change course and advised the party not to move towards what he described as a “dead-end street.” He said the government had already made its position clear regarding the proposed march.
Naqvi said the government would not “leave any loopholes” in its response if PTI went ahead with the protest. He also maintained that a majority of the party’s senior leadership was not in favour of the march.
The interior minister referred to the Islamabad High Court (IHC) ruling issued on September 14, saying the government would ensure its implementation. The court had ruled that political parties and their leadership do not have a lawful right to occupy public roads, highways, interchanges, toll plazas and buildings in Islamabad.
“Do not harm yourself and your workers,” Naqvi said while urging PTI to adopt a different approach.
Asked whether the government had a long-term strategy for dealing with repeated PTI protests, Naqvi said he believed that this time a “once-and-for-all” solution would be found.
Government Rules Out Closure of Islamabad
Naqvi said the government would not allow PTI to enter Islamabad and shut down the capital for several days.
He also said that the government was examining all legal options available to it, adding that the prime minister would make decisions in consultation with the Law Ministry.
Asked whether the government was considering banning PTI, Naqvi again referred to the need for what he called a permanent solution rather than repeatedly dealing with similar protests.
His remarks came amid increased government preparations ahead of the September 27 protest. Authorities have also taken preventive measures and detained PTI workers in different areas.
Imran Khan’s Medical Examination
Responding to questions about Imran Khan’s health and demands from his party and family for his transfer to a private medical facility, Naqvi said doctors had examined the PTI founder the previous night.
He said any treatment recommended by doctors would be provided in accordance with the law, but rejected the suggestion that decisions would be taken solely on the basis of political demands.
Tarar: No Violent Group Will Be Allowed Into Islamabad
Separately, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the government would not allow any group it considers violent to enter Islamabad or block roads.
Speaking in Kohat, Tarar referred to previous clashes during PTI demonstrations and alleged that protesters had damaged state property and attacked or harassed law-enforcement personnel. He also referred to incidents in which government property and trees were allegedly set on fire during demonstrations.
Tarar said the administration, police and federal government were committed to keeping roads open and implementing the IHC ruling.
He also criticised the PTI-led Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government over its handling of law-and-order resources following the recent deadly attack in Kohat. These were government allegations; PTI and KP officials have their own positions on the province’s security and political situation.
Rs120bn Daily Economic Impact Cited
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has separately warned that strikes, sit-ins, long marches and road closures could cause an estimated Rs120 billion in economic losses per day, citing research and previous disruption. He said prolonged disruption could affect exports, business activity and IT services.
The PTI has announced the September 27 protest to demand the release of its incarcerated founder Imran Khan and to mobilise supporters around what it describes as the supremacy of the Constitution.
The government, meanwhile, has said it will enforce the IHC ruling and prevent disruption of public movement in the federal capital.
