Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday warned of strict action against anyone who seeks an “onslaught on Islamabad,” an apparent reference to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s planned protest in the federal capital’s D-Chowk area on Friday (today).
Over the past week, on the directions of incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan, the opposition party has repeatedly vowed a “massive” demonstration in Islamabad, declaring this a “do or die” moment. Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has similarly warned of responding with “10 bullets” to any one fired at their convoys, setting the stage for a violent clash.
“The PTI’s top leadership should review its protest call,” maintained Naqvi. “No one will be allowed for an onrush on Islamabad,” he said, noting that Section 144, banning all public gatherings, was already imposed in Islamabad and authorities would exercise all available options to address any unrest. He noted that the Malaysian prime minister was on an official visit to Pakistan, while delegations of member states attending the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit on Oct. 15-16 were also en route. This event, he emphasized, is of immense importance for the country and no one would be permitted to derail it.
“Paramilitary forces, Army and Rangers have been called in. We have to ensure security in [Islamabad],” he said, maintaining that the national interest must take priority over political goals and all actions that could tarnish the country’s image should be avoided.
“We hope that KP C.M. will not resort to any move that could bring disrepute to the country,” he said. “The PTI is a party of Pakistan, not a foreign entity. When a head of state is present in Islamabad and you plan to onrush at that time, this is completely inappropriate,” he said, adding that the party would be facilitated if it put off any protests until after the conclusion of the SCO summit.
Noting that the country would suffer forever if even a minor incident occurred during the Malaysian premier’s visit, he urged the PTI to consider its protest call. “If anyone does this [protests] tomorrow, they should not expect any leniency. This is a very thin line for us,” he said, adding no one should expect any leniency from the administration in this situation.
Maintaining that police have completed all arrangements to tackle the protest, he reiterated that no one should complain if they were dealt with in an befitting manner.
Echoing Naqvi, JUIF leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman advised the PTI to delay its demonstration until after foreign dignitaries had left the country. “We should not take such steps that convey a negative message,” he advised.
As part of deterrence measures, the government has placed almost 300 containers at all entry and exit points of the capital, deploying around 6,000 police and paramilitary personnel to ensure security. Cellphone service in Islamabad has also been suspended ahead of the protest.
Additionally, police announced they have arrested over 400 suspects ahead of the protest, claiming the recovery of slingshots and ammunition from their possession. They claimed this included nearly 100 Afghans.