No protester will be allowed to enter Islamabad: Naqvi

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi warned on Friday that no individual would be permitted to enter Islamabad following the Islamabad High Court's (IHC) verdict. He announced that the government would file contempt of court petitions against anyone breaching the court's decision concerning Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) scheduled march on September 27.

Speaking at a press conference alongside Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, Naqvi stated that the government would employ all feasible measures against those attempting to enter Islamabad and resort to violence. He affirmed that security forces are fully prepared to manage the planned march, clarifying that while peaceful protests are permissible, obstructing the capital or any province is strictly prohibited.

The minister emphasized the nation's ongoing battle against terrorism and urged Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to concentrate on countering terrorism rather than facilitating PTI's anticipated protest. He cautioned that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister and his cabinet must take proactive steps to curb terrorism. Naqvi pointed out the distinction between political gatherings and armed militias, warning that the march organizer would bear responsibility if lives were lost.

He appealed to opposition leaders to refrain from confrontation, expressing hope that sensible individuals within the opposition would grasp the situation. The interior minister assured that the government would prevent a recurrence of past law and order issues and strive to minimize inconvenience for Islamabad residents. He mentioned that security agencies have thoroughly prepared for the march and conducted a comprehensive meeting with provincial and federal law enforcement agencies to discuss the protest call and security concerns.