ISLAMABAD, Nov 22 (NNI): Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has categorically stated that no march or sit-in will be permitted in Islamabad, and emphasized that the Islamabad High Court’s directives will be strictly enforced.
Speaking to the media, Naqvi warned that any violation of court orders would result in action, with violators held responsible for any damage or loss of life.
Naqvi reiterated that the high court’s orders would be implemented “100%” and no one allowed to protest in Islamabad. “I want no shop, business, or road to be closed,” he said, stressing that citizens’ daily lives must not be disrupted by political protests or unrest.
The minister stated that after the 18th Amendment, the responsibility for maintaining law and order within its jurisdiction squarely lies on the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government. “Forty-one funerals have been held there, and here they are coming to Islamabad for protest. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government itself is assaulting [the capital],” Naqvi said.
“I will consult with the prime minister this evening and do whatever he says,” Naqvi asserted. He confirmed that 15 platoons of Frontier Constabulary (FC) had been allocated to KP, ignoring Islamabad’s needs.
Naqvi assured that anyone violating Section 144 in Islamabad would face strict legal action. He urged political parties to use appropriate forums to raise their concerns rather than resorting to protests and sit-ins that disrupt public order. “There is a forum to raise your voice — raise your voice there,” he said, questioning, “Why are you bent on destroying the country?”
Dismissing the possibility of negotiations with those planning sit-ins or raids, Naqvi stated, “If they are holding sit-ins and protests, then I will say there should be no talks. On one hand, they talk about protests and on the other, they talk about negotiations.”
Naqvi also dismissed the notion of contacts with the PTI leadership, saying,”I have no contact with Adiala.” NNI
