Mohsin Naqvi Warns PTI Against Attempting to Storm Islamabad

LAHORE: (Staff Reporter) – Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has warned that any attempt to forcibly enter or “storm” Islamabad will be dealt with under the law, urging the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to reconsider its planned move towards the federal capital.

Speaking at a press conference in Lahore on Monday, Naqvi said the government would take all necessary legal measures against anyone attempting to enter Islamabad by force. His remarks come amid preparations for PTI’s planned September 27 march, following an Islamabad High Court ruling concerning protests and disruption of public movement.

The interior minister advised opposition parties not to push political differences to an extreme point, saying there was still time to avoid what he described as a “dead end”. He added that the situation could still be handled in a way that would leave room for a return.

Naqvi claimed that a significant portion of PTI’s leadership was not in favour of a long march and that there was also uncertainty within the party regarding its demands. He maintained that unlawful methods could not be used to pursue political objectives.

The minister further warned that the government would not handle another Islamabad protest in the same manner as previous demonstrations. He said a permanent mechanism would be developed to deal with similar situations in the future, with the federal government playing its full role in its implementation.

Naqvi also criticised the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government over the absence of provincial ministers from the funerals of security personnel who were killed in the Hangu encounter. Six security personnel, including two army officers, were martyred in the exchange of fire, while eight militants were killed, according to ISPR.

“Political differences are separate, but these are martyrs of Pakistan,” Naqvi said, stressing that the security personnel had sacrificed their lives for the country.

The interior minister also said PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan underwent a medical check-up at a hospital the previous night.