ISLAMABAD: State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry has issued a stark warning ahead of a planned Islamabad protest, stating that anyone resorting to terrorism during the demonstration will not be allowed to return. The minister’s remarks came on Sunday as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) prepares to march to the federal capital on September 27.
Chaudhry, speaking on the floor of the House, made a clear distinction between peaceful citizens and those he described as terrorists. “If you are a peaceful citizen, come to Islamabad from any route, come 100 times,” he said, while warning that those who come “as terrorists” would not be allowed to return.
The minister emphasized that the government would fully implement the Islamabad High Court’s orders and would not tolerate any unlawful action. “No illegal action will be tolerated,” he stated, adding that no activity posing a threat to life and property would be permitted in the capital.
In a pointed criticism of the PTI-led Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, Chaudhry accused the party of failing to stop terrorism in the province and being unable to ensure adequate health and education facilities. “They say they will turn Islamabad into ruins. We know they have turned KP into ruins,” he said, vowing that the government would not allow this kind of thinking to move forward. He claimed the PTI leadership had itself revealed what he called its “real plan.”
Meanwhile, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar shared a video of PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Junaid Akbar, accusing the party of seeking to create “chaos and destruction.” Tarar said PTI does not believe in peaceful protests and could resort to violence and bloodshed.
Addressing a workers’ convention in Mardan, Junaid Akbar asserted that PTI workers would march towards Islamabad through multiple routes. “We will go to Islamabad, and not through just one route,” he said, adding that party workers would use the motorway and GT Road. “We will also descend from the Margalla Hills and come from Dera Ismail Khan,” he stated.
Junaid recalled PTI’s previous protest, saying workers had returned with the bodies of their colleagues. “Last time, we brought our dead bodies with us,” he said, adding that the party had not been in a position to protest at the time. “This time, it will not happen that we bury our dead and remain silent,” he warned. He also repeated that PTI would turn Islamabad into “ruins.”
The escalating rhetoric comes as the capital braces for the planned march, with the government and PTI trading barbs over the nature of the protest. The Islamabad High Court’s orders are expected to play a key role in determining how the situation unfolds, as authorities have signaled a tough stance against any disruption.
As September 27 approaches, all eyes are on Islamabad, with both sides digging in. The government’s warning is clear: peaceful protest is acceptable, but any act of terrorism will be met with severe consequences.
Source: Geo News