Mohsin Naqvi Warns PTI of Consequences Over Planned Islamabad March

LAHORE: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has warned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) against attempting to enter or stage a protest in Islamabad in violation of legal orders, saying those involved could face serious consequences.

Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Naqvi said the PTI was preparing for what he described as an attempt to move towards Islamabad. He urged the party leadership to reconsider its plans and avoid what he called a “dead end.”

Naqvi said there would be no repeat of previous protests in which Islamabad and parts of the country were disrupted for days. He said the government had prepared a comprehensive strategy to deal with any attempt to disrupt normal life.

The interior minister claimed that many members of the PTI leadership did not want to proceed with a long march and advised the party to avoid a course of action from which, in his view, there would be no easy return.

He said political protests could not resolve the issues facing the country and warned that the government would take measures to maintain law and order if the PTI proceeded with its planned demonstration.

Naqvi also urged PTI supporters not to put themselves or their party workers at risk. He said the government would make full preparations if the party moved towards Islamabad.

Government to Follow Islamabad High Court Order

The interior minister said that if the PTI proceeded with a sit-in, the government would implement the Islamabad High Court’s orders.

The Islamabad High Court has issued directions concerning the planned PTI march, including restrictions on activities that could disrupt the rights of Islamabad residents and public movement.

Naqvi also questioned the PTI’s stated demands, saying the party itself had not clearly established what it wanted to achieve through the proposed protest.

Regarding PTI founder Imran Khan’s medical check-up, Naqvi said that if this was the party’s main demand, a medical examination had already been conducted the previous night.

He said the government would ensure that Imran Khan received treatment and medical care according to the law, while rejecting what he described as political pressure over the matter.

Naqvi Criticises Absence at Hangu Martyrs’ Funerals

The interior minister also criticised the absence of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister and provincial ministers from the funeral prayers of security personnel martyred in Hangu.

He said political differences could exist between rival parties, but questioned the decision not to attend the funerals of security personnel who had lost their lives while fighting militants.

Recent reports confirmed that six security personnel, including Captain Abuzar Farooq and Lieutenant Sheraz Babar, were martyred during an operation in Hangu in which eight militants were killed.

Naqvi said the sacrifices of security personnel should be respected regardless of political differences.

Petrol Prices Linked to Global Market

Responding to questions about fuel prices, Naqvi said changes in petrol prices were linked to developments in the international oil market.

He said the government was monitoring global market conditions while making decisions regarding domestic fuel prices.

The interior minister also expressed support for the creation of new provinces, saying public support for the idea was growing.

He said that if circumstances permitted, new provinces would eventually be created in Pakistan.