Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday called on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to reconsider its planned protest on October 4, stressing the need for calm during a sensitive time when foreign dignitaries are visiting the capital.
Addressing a presser, Minister Naqvi stressed that protests are inappropriate when a foreign head of state is in the country, particularly with the impending visits of a high-level Saudi delegation and the Chinese President.
Naqvi was flanked by senior officials, including Federal Secretary Interior Agha Khurram and IG Islamabad Police Ali Nasir Rizvi, as he outlined the government's position on the protest.
"We are at a critical juncture for the administration of Islamabad, with significant international events on the horizon," he stated. The Chinese President is set to arrive on October 17, coinciding with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) conference.
The minister urged PTI to engage in political discourse without jeopardizing diplomatic relations. "Protest is a right, but it should not come at the cost of our nation's honour," he remarked, referring to past incidents that had repercussions for Pakistan's international standing.
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He cited the example of the former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's visit and a minor incident in Lahore that has since been ridiculed.
Reinforcing the government's resolve, Naqvi declared that there would be "no leniency" for those attempting to disrupt the peace. He referenced the enforcement of Section 144 in Islamabad, which prohibits public gatherings without prior approval.
"If PTI insists on going ahead with the protest, they must comply with legal protocols, including reserving a venue," he added.
The interior minister urged PTI leaders, particularly the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, to reconsider their decisions in light of national interests. "These days are not suitable for protests. We must prioritize the interests of Pakistan over political affiliations," he asserted.
Naqvi confirmed that security measures are being heightened, with the deployment of police and paramilitary forces commencing on October 5. "The police have made all necessary arrangements, and we will take every precaution to ensure the safety of our guests," he assured.
In response to questions regarding the legality of the protests, IG Islamabad revealed that preparations had been made to arrest individuals linked to planning demonstrations. "Items intended for use in potential violence, including sticks, stones, and other projectiles, have been recovered from some protestors," he reported.
The PTI had announced the protest for "independence of the judiciary" despite the ban on public gatherings in Islamabad, intending to rally at D Chowk. This announcement followed threats from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur against the federal government.
PTI founder Imran Khan also declared a series of protests across various cities, including Lahore, despite the new Public Order Act 2024, which mandates prior notification for public gatherings.
