Islamabad, October 16, 2025: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has said that talks with the protesters continued until the very last moment, questioning whether their protest was truly about Palestine or something else.
Addressing a press conference alongside federal ministers after a cabinet meeting in Islamabad, Mohsin Naqvi stated that no action would be taken against any religious seminaries or scholars except for the office-bearers of a specific religious group involved in the violence. He emphasized that no one would be allowed to harass religious figures or organizations.
Naqvi announced that tomorrow would be observed as a Day of Thanksgiving, not a day of protest. He added that negotiations with the Tehreek-e-Labbaik (TLP) leadership were ongoing until the last moment, and they were assured that no action would be taken if they dispersed peacefully.
He explained that the use of force was limited to those carrying weapons, as armed groups had taken positions and opened direct fire. Naqvi said video evidence shows that vehicles were seized at gunpoint during the march, and the security forces who cleared the roads deserved appreciation.
He questioned why large-scale protests had become a recurring event every two weeks, reiterating that peaceful demonstrations are a democratic right but must not involve violence or arms.
At the same press conference, Information Minister Atta Tarar said that protests in other countries, such as Italy, remained peaceful without property damage. In contrast, the TLP protestors were equipped with modern weapons, stones, and bricks, causing damage to public and private property. “They even pulled a police officer from his car and shot him. What was his fault?” Tarar asked.
He added that while peaceful protests are held worldwide, some elements in Pakistan behave as if they alone can defend the Palestinian cause. “Pakistan has consistently raised the issue of Palestine at every international forum,” he said.
Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Yousaf stated that the Palestinian issue concerns the entire Muslim Ummah and praised Pakistan’s role in efforts leading toward a resolution. He reaffirmed that while peaceful protest is a democratic right, no one has the right to engage in violence or destruction.
He clarified that no religious scholars were part of the armed mob that attacked law enforcement and damaged private property. “Protecting the lives and property of citizens remains the government’s foremost responsibility,” he said.
