Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday accused the Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) of rubbishing the government’s efforts for a peaceful resolution to last week’s protests through violence, including opening fire at police.
Addressing a press conference in Islamabad alongside Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Yousaf and Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, he emphasized that while the state had resorted to violence, it was specifically against those engaged in violent acts.
He also defended the police’s actions in clearing roads, commending forces involved in the operation. “The TLP resorted to violence and armed protests. Their groups, with weapons, fired at security forces. But apart from the TLP, no action will be taken against any other seminaries or religious figures,” he said.
The minister clarified that the government and TLP were in negotiation until the last moment, adding TLP leaders were repeatedly urged to abandon their demonstration. “Negotiations continued until 2:30 a.m. Every time they were told that nothing would be promised,” he said, describing the protesters’ demands as unreasonable. He questioned whether the protest’s real aim was the release of certain individuals rather than solidarity for Palestine.
Naqvi also questioned the trend of large protests in the country, maintaining that while peaceful protests were a fundamental right, the government had zero tolerance for the use of violence and property damage. He also played footage of protesters using weapons to seize private vehicles.
“There seems to be a coordinated effort behind these protests. We are witnessing a pattern in the past few months where every 15 days, a major protest is being staged,” he said, hinting the indirect role of “other” forces though stopping short of naming anyone.
Tarar also condemned the TLP violence, dubbing it a deliberate strategy aimed at destabilizing the country under the guise of protests. “Who gave the protesters the right to damage public and private property?” he questioned, noting a police inspector was martyred after being shot 21 times. “We will not allow arson or the destruction of peace under any circumstances. Over 100 police officers were targeted with violence during the protests,” he added.
The information minister noted Pakistan had consistently raised its voice for the Palestinian cause at various international forums. He noted that the TLP’s violence coincided with Palestinians celebrating the signing of a peace agreement.
Ongoing crackdown
Both the Punjab government and the center have ramped up a crackdown against the TLP, sealing several of its offices, mosques, and seminaries. According to officials, the campaign aims to curb unrest and prevent the misuse of religious platforms to incite violence and chaos.
Authorities have also registered dozens of cases against the TLP’s leaders and workers, while efforts are underway to freeze all bank accounts associated with the group.
Ahead of potential unrest after Friday prayers, 5,500 police officers and personnel have been deployed across Rawalpindi. All entry and exit points of Lahore have similarly been blocked, though all major arteries within the city remain fully operational.