Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Naqvi said all security forces and relevant institutions had been directed to follow the court’s orders. He also told security personnel not to remain silent if protesters opened fire.
The interior minister said any violation of the Islamabad High Court’s ruling could also lead to contempt of court proceedings. He maintained that there was no justification for marching on Islamabad and said the protection of citizens’ lives and property would remain the government’s priority.
Naqvi said a meeting had been held on the protest call and security forces had been instructed to stop protesters from entering Islamabad in violation of the court order. He recalled that previous protests had resulted in significant damage and alleged that weapons had also been used during demonstrations.
Referring to a terrorism incident in Kohat, the minister said security forces were fighting militants in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa while preparations were being made to bring people to Islamabad for a sit-in.
He said the situation required consideration, adding that the government could not ignore public safety and the law-and-order situation.
Naqvi said there was a difference between political rallies, processions and groups creating disorder. He warned that protest organisers would be responsible if the situation resulted in loss of life.
The interior minister also called for dialogue, saying several serious people were present in the opposition and that confrontation would not benefit anyone. He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had repeatedly invited the opposition for talks.
Commenting on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s protest call, Naqvi said the party should conduct a survey among its own members, claiming that even they might be unaware of the justification for the protest.
The Islamabad High Court has ruled that no political party, political leader or provincial government has the legal authority to block Islamabad’s roads, highways, entry and exit routes or other public places. The court said restrictions on citizens’ freedom of movement violate fundamental rights.
The court also directed provincial governments not to use public funds, vehicles, machinery or other government resources for political marches, rallies or protests. It further barred authorities from forcing government employees to participate in such activities.
According to the ruling, political marches or rallies entering Islamabad should not disrupt citizens’ movement, businesses, educational activities or access to medical facilities. The Islamabad administration and relevant authorities were directed to protect citizens’ constitutional rights.
Naqvi said he was personally against placing containers but acknowledged the difficulties caused to the public. However, he said security measures would have to be taken to protect citizens.
On reports that containers carrying medicines had been stopped, the interior minister said the containers were released after he became aware of the situation. He said the containers had been released even before his instructions and that police would not put human lives at risk.
Naqvi also clarified his earlier remark that terrorists were an SHO’s job, saying it was a symbolic statement and that part of his sentence had been cut and used for propaganda. He reiterated that he supported peaceful protests.
Regarding PTI founder Imran Khan’s health, Naqvi said he was more concerned about Khan’s health than PTI itself.
