Govt cracks whip as PTI, JI gear up for capital marches
Naqvi says violators of IHC order will face contempt proceedings
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has issued a stern warning that any attempt to storm the capital or advance on the city in groups will be met with immediate contempt of court proceedings following the Islamabad High Court's recent detailed judgment. Speaking at a press conference, Naqvi stated that security forces have been instructed and are fully prepared to prevent any disruption to public order. If protesters resort to lawlessness, security personnel will not remain passive and will respond effectively.
Naqvi reminded the nation of the recent terrorist attack in Kohat and the sacrifices made by security personnel, emphasizing that while the country mourns the loss of martyrs, preparations are underway for sit-ins and an advance on the capital. He urged the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government and chief minister to prioritize eliminating terrorism and upholding the rule of law in the province, rather than diverting resources to a march towards Islamabad.
The minister differentiated between political rallies and groups attempting to advance on the capital, asserting that peaceful protest is a democratic right for every political party, but these protests should remain within their respective areas and provinces. He warned that if any individual were to lose their life due to confrontation, the organizers would bear direct responsibility.
Naqvi appealed to responsible opposition leaders to reconsider their decision, stating that politics of confrontation would only harm the country.
The Islamabad High Court's ruling emphasized that any activity infringing on citizens' fundamental rights constitutes a violation of the Constitution, and public office holders responsible for such violations would also breach their oath of office. The court held that the right to peaceful assembly could not be exercised in a manner that infringes upon the fundamental rights of other citizens.
The Islamabad Advocate General confirmed that security personnel would prevent protestors from moving towards Islamabad, and that the government machinery would not be used for the protest. He stated that action against anyone violating their constitutional responsibilities is permissible under the Constitution, and proceedings could be initiated under Article 5.
Written by urgent.news from The Express Tribune - Pakistan's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
