Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said on Friday that the government would prevent any attempt to march on Islamabad and initiate contempt of court proceedings against those who violated a recent Islamabad High Court ruling.
Speaking at a press conference in the federal capital alongside senior officials, Naqvi said the government had completed its preparations to respond to the nationwide protest announced by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for September 27.
The party has called for demonstrations across the country, including in Islamabad, to demand the release of its founder, Imran Khan, and mobilise support for constitutional supremacy.
Authorities in Islamabad and Rawalpindi had already begun preparing for the protests last week. Reported measures included requests to detain activists, arrangements for shipping containers, deployment of additional security personnel and procurement of equipment for controlling unrest.
Government Cites Islamabad High Court Ruling
Naqvi said a detailed meeting had been held to review the protest announcement and the overall law and order situation. Officials from all provinces and federal law enforcement agencies attended the meeting.
Referring to the Islamabad High Court’s judgment, the minister said the government would not permit activities that disrupted life in the federal capital or other provinces.
He warned that individuals violating the court’s directions would first face legal proceedings, including contempt petitions.
The government would also stop marchers through every available means, he said, adding that all law enforcement agencies had received clear instructions.
Naqvi referred to previous demonstrations in which weapons had allegedly been used and people had suffered losses. He said security personnel would receive explicit instructions on how to respond to violence and would not remain passive if fired upon.
The minister urged PTI leaders to organise demonstrations within their respective cities and provinces rather than attempting to enter Islamabad or disrupt another province.
He maintained that protecting the lives and property of Islamabad’s residents was the government’s responsibility.
Naqvi also distinguished between peaceful political demonstrations and violent mobilisation involving armed participants. He warned that the organisers of the proposed march would be held accountable if any lives were lost.
Expressing hope that voices within the opposition would reconsider the protest plan, he said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had repeatedly invited opposition parties to resolve political disagreements through parliamentary dialogue.
The interior minister reiterated that the government’s preparations were complete and that law enforcement agencies were ready to respond to any attempt to create disorder.
Court Emphasises Protection of Fundamental Rights
In its detailed judgment issued on Friday, the Islamabad High Court ruled that activities infringing citizens’ fundamental rights constitute violations of the Constitution.
The court also warned that public officials responsible for such violations could be considered to have breached their oath of office.
It held that the constitutional right to peaceful assembly must be exercised without violating the fundamental rights of other citizens.
Naqvi Urges KP Government to Prioritise Counterterrorism
The interior minister also addressed the deadly attack at Kohat Police Lines, saying security agencies in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were engaged in an ongoing struggle against terrorism.
He urged the provincial government to devote greater attention to security rather than concentrating on preparations for political marches, including mobilising supporters, arranging transport and raising funds.
Naqvi said the provincial leadership should approach counterterrorism with the same determination it was showing in organising political demonstrations.
Earlier on Friday, at least 21 people, including 15 police personnel, were killed when an explosives-laden vehicle detonated near a mosque at Kohat Police Lines. Officials reported that more than 80 others were injured.
Senior police and district health officials said the explosion was followed by armed attackers entering the compound and targeting police facilities.
