Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has warned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) against holding its planned September 27 protest in Islamabad. He said the government would enforce the law and would not allow the capital to remain disrupted for an extended period.
Naqvi made the remarks during a press conference in Lahore on Monday. PTI plans to march towards Islamabad as part of its campaign seeking the release of party founder Imran Khan. The party has maintained that it intends to continue with the protest.
Naqvi Warns PTI Over Planned Protest
The interior minister urged PTI leaders to reconsider the protest plan. He said the government would implement the Islamabad High Court’s orders concerning demonstrations in the capital.
Naqvi also said authorities would not leave gaps in their response if PTI proceeded with the march. He described repeated long protests as harmful to the country and said the government would take steps to prevent prolonged disruption.
The government has previously warned that road blockages and disruptions in Islamabad could create legal, security and economic problems. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar also said the government would not allow groups to block roads or disrupt public movement.
Government Seeks a Permanent Approach
Asked about a long-term response to repeated PTI protests, Naqvi said the government would seek a permanent solution. He indicated that authorities wanted to prevent a repeat of situations in which Islamabad faces prolonged disruption because of demonstrations.
The minister also referred to the PTI’s demands concerning Imran Khan’s medical examination. He said the demand for a hospital check-up had already been addressed and that Khan’s treatment would follow legal procedures.
Meanwhile, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has criticised the arrests of party workers and lawmakers ahead of the planned protest. He called for restraint and said further arrests could increase political tensions. PTI has also said that contacts with federal authorities remain ongoing.
The September 27 protest remains the next major point of tension between PTI and the federal government. Both sides have stated their positions, while authorities are preparing to enforce restrictions and court directions related to demonstrations in Islamabad.
