Islamabad, September 18, 2026: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Friday said the government would prevent any attempt to march on Islamabad in violation of an Islamabad High Court (IHC) ruling, warning that those responsible for bringing protesters to the capital would be held accountable for any loss of life during the demonstration.
The minister’s remarks came after the IHC issued its 37-page detailed judgment concerning the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) proposed long march to Islamabad on September 27. The court held that political parties have a constitutional right to peaceful assembly and political dissent, but such activities remain subject to the Constitution and law and cannot infringe upon the fundamental rights of other citizens.
The court also ruled that no political party or public office-holder has the lawful right to occupy or block public roads, highways, interchanges, toll plazas or buildings in a manner that obstructs citizens’ access and movement. It directed provincial governments to ensure that state resources and official machinery were not used to facilitate the proposed march.
Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Naqvi said the court’s judgment left no room for an attempt to “storm Islamabad” and warned that anyone violating the ruling could face contempt of court proceedings.
“If someone comes out after the court’s decision, we will first initiate contempt of court proceedings. Otherwise, we will not allow anyone to come out,” he said, adding that the provinces had also been informed.
The minister said peaceful political activity was one matter, while bringing armed groups or mobs to the federal capital was another. He urged political parties to hold peaceful protests in their respective areas and said Islamabad could not be shut down or subjected to attacks in the name of protest.
Naqvi said preparations had been completed in consultation with the provinces to deal with any attempt to enter Islamabad in violation of the court order. He said the Interior Ministry’s responsibility was to prevent groups from entering the capital and that law enforcement agencies were prepared for the situation.
Referring to the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where a deadly attack in Kohat had claimed at least 16 lives, including five police personnel, Naqvi urged the provincial government to focus its efforts on combating terrorism rather than mobilising people for a protest.
He said it was inappropriate to mourn the deaths of security personnel while simultaneously preparing for a sit-in, and suggested that the provincial government should devote greater attention to countering militancy.
Naqvi also urged opposition leaders to reconsider the decision to hold the protest and said the organisers would be responsible for any loss of life during the march.
He said the government was prepared to maintain law and order and protect the lives and property of citizens, adding that law enforcement agencies would take action against any attempt to disrupt the situation.
The minister also said he was personally opposed to placing containers on roads but acknowledged that law enforcement agencies used them when required for security and law-and-order purposes.
He further stated that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government was responsible for maintaining law and order in the province.
