Naqvi Warns of Strict Measures as KP Chief Minister Crosses Boundaries

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi delivered a stern message to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, accusing him of overstepping multiple boundaries and suggesting that drastic action could be taken if the situation deteriorates further.

Speaking to the media, Naqvi criticized the chief minister’s role in escalating tensions, particularly as protesters clashed with police, throwing stones and causing disruptions. He stressed that while the government had attempted to handle the situation through peaceful means, the provincial leadership’s actions had gone beyond what is acceptable.

“We are watching closely. If any further boundaries are crossed, we will not hesitate to take extreme measures,” Naqvi cautioned, though he did not specify what these measures might entail. He held PTI leaders, particularly Gandapur, responsible for fueling unrest with their rhetoric and actions.

With the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit on the horizon, the federal government is determined to maintain order and prevent any attempts to sabotage the event. Naqvi made it clear that any disruption of the conference would not be tolerated and warned that those behind the attacks, particularly on Islamabad, would “face consequences.”

During the briefing, Naqvi also disclosed that 120 Afghan nationals had been arrested in the past 24 hours, raising concerns about external forces joining the protests. He questioned how these individuals had infiltrated the demonstrations, noting that evidence had emerged of protesters allegedly planning for violence, including bringing weapons to the protests.

“There are messages instructing people to bring weapons. Where did these Afghans come from?” Naqvi asked.

The minister confirmed that 80 to 85 police officers had been injured in the clashes, many due to tear gas fired by protesters. Investigations are underway to determine how demonstrators obtained such large quantities of tear gas.

When asked about the possibility of declaring a state of emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Naqvi assured that the political leadership, including the Prime Minister and President, were in constant communication. “We are finalizing a strategy, but rest assured, we will not allow the peace of the country to be compromised.”

Naqvi also apologized to the residents of Islamabad for the disruptions caused by increased security measures but emphasized that these actions were necessary for their safety. “We are doing everything we can to ensure the security of the city and its people. The army and Rangers are on the ground, and we will take decisive steps to restore peace,” he said.

He also confirmed that two PTI workers from Abbottabad had been arrested during the protests.

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