Islamabad: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has stated that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will not be allowed to hold protests of this nature.
Speaking to the media at D-Chowk in Islamabad, Naqvi emphasized that from the Inspector General (IG) to every police officer, all are on high alert. He criticized PTI’s methods, saying, “What they are doing is wrong; this is not acceptable.”
He further explained, “The situation is clear before you. We requested yesterday as well that there should be no rallies or processions. None of our police officers are armed, but the people arriving here are carrying weapons.”
Naqvi expressed hope that PTI would act sensibly, urging Ali Amin Gandapur to consider the consequences of his actions. He mentioned that there is some level of communication with the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and he expects Gandapur to act responsibly as a Pakistani.
The Interior Minister stressed the importance of security for international guests, stating that if PTI had sought permission for their protest, proper protocol would have been provided. However, he made it clear that Islamabad will not be allowed to face frequent invasions from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa every other day.
It is worth noting that PTI has announced a protest at D-Chowk in Islamabad’s Red Zone today. Several entry and exit points, roads, and highways in the federal capital have been blocked with containers, and many protestors have been arrested.
In response to PTI’s protest call, a ban has been imposed on motorcycle pillion riding in Islamabad, and mobile phone services have been suspended. Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has also declared that he will reach D-Chowk at any cost for today’s protest. In his statement, Gandapur described PTI founder Imran Khan as a “red line,” making it clear that his orders will be followed without question.
