Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced that the government will implement a lasting strategy to manage the upcoming Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) long march towards Islamabad, scheduled for September 27. He warned that the country will not be allowed to remain shut down for 10 to 20 days due to protests, signaling a firm stance against prolonged demonstrations.
Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Naqvi emphasized that the government intends to take decisive action “once and for all” to prevent a recurrence of such disruptive situations. He stated that this time, the government will ensure the nation does not face extended closures caused by protest activities.
Naqvi’s comments come as PTI prepares for a nationwide protest and march demanding the release of its imprisoned founder, Imran Khan, and the enforcement of constitutional supremacy. The interior minister underscored that the government cannot repeatedly endure such unrest and is determined to find a permanent resolution.
In a significant development, Naqvi vowed full enforcement of the Islamabad High Court’s orders should the PTI proceed with the march, pledging to implement the court’s directives in both letter and spirit. He also appealed to PTI leaders to reconsider their approach, cautioning them against causing harm to themselves and their supporters through their chosen course of action.
Notably, Naqvi revealed internal divisions within the PTI leadership regarding the decision to hold the long march, mentioning that many within the party are opposed to moving forward with the protest.
Addressing concerns about Imran Khan’s health, the interior minister assured that medical treatment will be provided strictly within the legal framework. He confirmed that Imran Khan underwent a medical check-up the previous night and that any further treatment would comply with the law, not based on external demands.
Meanwhile, on the economic front, Naqvi refrained from extensive commentary but acknowledged the rising petroleum prices, attributing them to global market conditions. He highlighted that fuel shortages are being reported worldwide due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East, warning that petrol might become unavailable even at extremely high prices.
Lastly, the interior minister expressed optimism regarding the creation of new provinces, stating that progress is moving swiftly and he is hopeful that new provinces will soon be established.
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