Naqvi vows strict action against CM Gandapur and all PTI protestors

PTI tried to sabotage SCO summit by attacking the capital: Dr. Musadik

Islamabad-Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced on Saturday that strict action would be taken against all individuals involved in the violent protests in Islamabad, specifically targeting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, whom he accused of leading the attack.

Speaking alongside Inspector General (IG) Islamabad and IG Punjab at D Chowk, Naqvi detailed that 564 protestors had been arrested, including 120 Afghan nationals, while 11 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police officers were also taken into custody. He disclosed that these officers were found in plain clothes, equipped with tear gas canisters, masks, and rubber bullets.

Naqvi reported that gunfire was directed at Punjab Police officers during the protest, resulting in injuries to 31 officials from Islamabad Police and 75 from Punjab Police, with one officer in critical condition.

“The Punjab Police demonstrated exceptional restraint despite facing attacks, including stone pelting and the use of long-range tear gas,” he stated.

Stressing the need for accountability, Naqvi declared, “Indiscriminate action will be taken against all planners of this attack, and no exceptions will be made for those who assaulted police personnel.”

He assured the public that efforts would be made to clear the area and restore mobile services promptly.

The protests, initiated by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party on October 4, aimed to establish a sit-in at D-Chowk until October 17 to disrupt the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) conference.

Following his arrival in Islamabad, conflicting reports about Chief Minister Gandapur’s arrest emerged, which security sources have since denied.

Naqvi expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to the residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, reaffirming the government’s commitment to maintaining peace and order.

“Our priority was to avoid any loss of life during these confrontations,” he said.

In recent weeks, the PTI has organized numerous rallies nationwide to protest the “unlawful” detention of its founder, the delays by the Election Commission of Pakistan in executing the verdict on reserved seats, and to advocate for the “preservation” of the Constitution.

Prior to its rallies in Islamabad and Lahore earlier this month, the government imposed a series of stringent regulations. Imran Khan’s party did not fully adhere to these guidelines, leading to confrontations between its supporters and law enforcement agencies.

“An assault was waged which was being led by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister himself and it is before you the way they (protesters) inflicted violence on the police; I don’t need to tell you,” Naqvi said.

While sharing the details, he said the police had evidence of live firing.

Federal Minister for Petroleum Dr. Musadik Malik stated that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) attempted to sabotage the SCO summit and other high-level activities by attacking the federal capital.

Speaking to a private news channel, he said that PTI’s actions aimed to disrupt economic initiatives at a time when Pakistan was inviting international investment.

He further claimed that the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa used official resources to attack the capital but, after failing to enter Islamabad, opted for an alternate route alone.

Dr. Malik added that PTI’s sole objective is to fulfill its anti-state agenda, driven by the personal ambitions of its former chairman.

He emphasized the importance of blocking PTI’s actions, referencing their involvement in anti-state incidents such as those on May 9.

Former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) stalwart and Senator Faisal Vawda accused the PTI top brass of engaging in politics that seeks bloodbath through inciting violence.

In an interview with Samaa TV’s program “Mere Sawal with Absar Alam” on Saturday, Vawda lambasted PTI leaders for what he described as irresponsible behavior, claiming that the party’s focus on staging protests at D-Chowk in Islamabad was a deliberate attempt to create chaos.

“It is written in the law not to come to D-Chowk, but they [PTI] say the protest has to be held here,” Vawda said.

The senator also accused PTI leaders of exploiting the public while shielding their own families.

“They are demeaning government officials, but why not bring their children to these protests?” he questioned, adding that the party is endangering the lives of the poor for political gain.

He further alleged that PTI leadership is using the protest to incite violence, saying, “PTI wants dead bodies; they are doing politics to kill the poor.”

The former PTI leader also criticized PTI’s Ali Amin Gandapur, claiming that the politician had privately agreed with the government not to come to D-Chowk but reneged on his promise.

“Ali Amin had agreed with the government that he would not come,” Vawda claimed, implying Gandapur’s involvement in organizing the protests.

Meanwhile, the Islamabad administration has suspended mobile networks and internet services