Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has said that the government has offered talks to the opposition, but if protest groups still attempt to march towards Islamabad, the authorities are prepared to take action in accordance with the law.
Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Naqvi said that the Islamabad High Court had already issued its decision regarding protests affecting citizens’ fundamental rights. He said there would be no justification for any attempt to storm or disrupt the federal capital following the court’s decision.
The interior minister said the government would approach the court for contempt proceedings if judicial orders were violated. He added that no group or political party could be allowed to hold a protest that paralyses normal life or affects the rights of citizens.
Referring to the country’s security situation, Naqvi also criticised the timing of planned protests. He said it was inappropriate, in his view, to see the country dealing with the funerals of security personnel while preparations for sit-ins and protests were also underway. He urged the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister to focus on countering terrorism in the province.
Naqvi further warned that if protesters took the law into their own hands or opened fire on security personnel, the authorities would respond. He urged protesters to demonstrate peacefully in their own areas instead of heading towards the federal capital.
