Islamabad (Pakistan News): Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has warned against the announced long march toward Islamabad, saying that following the Islamabad High Court’s decision, there is no justification for marching toward the federal capital or any other province.
Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Naqvi said the law-and-order situation had been reviewed in view of the call for a sit-in. He said the Islamabad High Court’s detailed ruling had been issued and that, in case of its violation, the court would be approached for contempt proceedings.
According to the interior minister, law enforcement agencies have been given clear instructions that any attempt to march toward Islamabad in violation of the court’s decision would be stopped. He said protests in the past had resulted in loss of life and property, and weapons had also been used on some occasions.
Naqvi said protesters could hold demonstrations in their own areas and cities, but no one could be allowed to shut down the federal capital or march toward any province. He warned that if police or security personnel were fired upon, they would not remain silent.
He urged opposition leaders to choose negotiations instead of escalating tensions. He said the government would not allow unrest as it had in the past, adding that the prime minister had repeatedly offered negotiations in parliament.
The interior minister urged the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to focus on counterterrorism operations instead of preparations for the long march. According to him, during the province’s fight against terrorism, all attention should be focused on improving the law-and-order situation.
Referring to the terrorist incident in Kohat, Naqvi said it was inappropriate for funeral processions of martyrs to be taking place on one hand while preparations for sit-ins were being made on the other. He said political rallies and organized groups or attacks were different types of activities, and in case of any loss of life, responsibility would fall on those mobilizing people.