Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi declared on Friday that the government would stop anyone marching on Islamabad “in every possible way,” vowing to file contempt of court proceedings against those who violated a recent Islamabad High Court decision. Speaking at a press conference in the federal capital alongside other officials, Naqvi said a detailed meeting had been held to discuss the upcoming protest call and the overall law and order situation, with participants from all provinces and federal law enforcement agencies.
The minister’s remarks came in the wake of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s call for a nationwide protest, including in Islamabad, on September 27 to demand the release of party founder Imran Khan and to mobilise people for the supremacy of the Constitution. Last week, the administrations of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad began preparations to counter the announced countrywide protest, including requesting the detention of activists, arranging containers, seeking additional personnel, and procuring anti-riot gear.
Naqvi said the government’s stance was shaped by a detailed Islamabad High Court judgment. “In light of the detailed IHC judgment, there is no possibility of ravaging the federal capital or any other province,” he said. He explained that if anyone took to the streets, the government would first pursue legal action by filing a contempt petition against them for violating the IHC order. At the same time, he reiterated, “We will stop the marchers in every possible way.”
All law enforcement agencies had been informed of the decision “with all clarity,” Naqvi added. He noted that weapons had been used and losses suffered in past protests. “This time, we are communicating very clear rules of engagement to our law enforcement agencies. They will not remain silent if a bullet is fired at them,” he said.
The interior minister urged the protesting party’s leadership to hold demonstrations in their respective provinces and cities. His warning that the government would stop anyone marching on Islamabad came as the capital braced for a possible showdown. The planned protest has raised tensions, with authorities mobilising resources to maintain order.
Naqvi’s comments underscore the government’s determination to prevent any disruption to the federal capital. By invoking the IHC judgment and threatening contempt proceedings, the government is seeking to legalise its response to the protest call. The PTI has yet to respond to the minister’s statements. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected as September 27 approaches.
Source: Dawn News