Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has said enforcing the law is the government’s responsibility and it will be done whenever required, stressing that those who take up arms against the state will face a clear response.

Speaking to the media at Jamia Ashrafia alongside Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Saturday, Mohsin Naqvi said maintaining law and order is his mandate.

“When the time comes, we will enforce the law,” he said, adding that negotiations are the responsibility of those assigned that role.

The interior minister said there is an explicit message in the Holy Quran regarding those who take up arms against the state. “If someone takes up arms against the state, it is clear how to handle it,” he said, reiterating the government’s firm stance.

Handling protests

Referring to protests, including those by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Mohsin Naqvi said the authorities have ample experience in dealing with such situations. “We have dealt with them many times before, and if such a situation arises again, it will be handled in the same way,” he added.

The interior minister clarified that his job is different from those tasked with negotiations. “Those whose job it is, will negotiate; my responsibility is law enforcement,” he said.

Naqvi assured that religious scholars are safe and will continue to remain protected. “Our scholars are safe and will remain safe,” he said while addressing concerns over security.

Criticism of KP chief minister

The interior minister questioned the performance of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister, asking what measures were taken to protect provincial officers.

“The chief minister of KP should be asked what he did to provide security to his officers and about his overall performance,” he said.

Reiterating the government’s position, Naqvi said any attempt to challenge the writ of the state would be addressed according to the law. He stressed that maintaining peace and security remains the top priority of the Interior Ministry.