ISLAMABAD: In a strong statement on Monday, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced that the Inspector General (IG) of Islamabad has been granted full authority to handle the ongoing protests in the capital city as deemed necessary. This comes amid escalating tensions between law enforcement and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protesters.
Speaking to the media, Naqvi emphasized that the government’s primary aim was to avoid any disruptions in the city, especially with the President of Belarus visiting, who was staying just one kilometer away. “We did not want any spectacle on the streets of Islamabad,” he said. The Minister also expressed concern about the negative international perception caused by the use of tear gas, acknowledging the tragic deaths of three Rangers personnel and one police officer in the previous day’s clashes.
“We have given full authority to the IG Islamabad to deal with the protesters in any way he deems fit. Our priority is to prevent any loss of life,” Naqvi added, reiterating the government’s commitment to protecting public safety while maintaining law and order.
Naqvi also highlighted that PTI’s leadership had, in earlier negotiations, agreed to stage their protest at Sangjani. However, he claimed that a “secret hand” was behind efforts to escalate the situation and disrupt the peaceful resolution.
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The Interior Minister further stated that the security forces’ primary focus remains on protecting Islamabad’s Red Zone, with PTI’s covert leadership behind much of the decision-making. He also revealed that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government had supplied tear gas shells, which cost around 4,500 rupees each, contributing to the escalating confrontations.
Despite the rising tensions, Naqvi maintained that the government was determined to prevent further bloodshed and safeguard the capital’s peace.
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