Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi issued a stern warning on Friday to organisers planning protests in Islamabad, cautioning that they would be held accountable if any fatalities occurred during the demonstrations. He urged political leaders to reconsider their plans to march on the federal capital in light of the Islamabad High Court’s recent ruling on protests.
Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Naqvi stated that law enforcement agencies have been instructed to enforce the court’s judgment strictly and prevent any unauthorized entry into the capital. He emphasized that anyone violating the Islamabad High Court’s decision would face legal proceedings for contempt, alongside efforts to stop them by all available means.
This announcement followed the Islamabad High Court’s detailed judgment concerning the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s scheduled protest and long march on September 27. The protest demands the release of party founder Imran Khan and underscores the supremacy of the Constitution. The court acknowledged political parties’ constitutional right to peaceful assembly and dissent but clarified that these rights are subject to constitutional and legal limits.
The court highlighted the necessity to balance political protest rights with the fundamental rights of other citizens, including their rights to life, liberty, dignity, freedom of movement, and access to vital services such as hospitals, schools, and courts. It ruled that any actions infringing on these rights would constitute a constitutional violation, with those responsible liable for legal consequences.
Naqvi reiterated that while political parties have the right to protest, such demonstrations should be confined to their own cities and regions rather than disrupting the federal capital or targeting other provinces. He stated, “There is no justification for planning to shut down the federal capital or going to another province in this manner.”
The interior minister further noted ongoing discussions about the rules of engagement for law enforcement personnel. He pointed out that previous protests involved attacks on security forces, resulting in significant losses. Law enforcement officers are being given clear directives to respond appropriately if provoked.
Referring to the recent deadly blast in Kohat, Naqvi urged political parties to focus on combating terrorism rather than mobilizing people, collecting funds, and arranging transport for protests. He emphasized that the country is already engaged in fighting terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and called on political leaders to reconsider their protest plans in this context.
Naqvi stressed that the court’s directives aim to safeguard the rights of Islamabad residents, ensuring their unhindered access to essential services. He lamented that past protests have disrupted government operations and citizens’ movement, potentially isolating the federal capital from the rest of the country.
While affirming that the Constitution guarantees fundamental rights such as freedom of movement and peaceful assembly, Naqvi insisted that political activities must remain within legal boundaries.
Addressing the use of government resources, Naqvi said the court held provincial chief secretaries and police chiefs accountable for preventing the use of government machinery, vehicles, personnel, or other resources in facilitating the march toward Islamabad. The court had previously required affidavits from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief secretary and inspector general of police confirming compliance.
He warned that officials who breach their oaths by supporting activities contrary to the court’s directives could face repercussions. “Whether it is me, Talal Sahib, or anyone else in this position, it is our duty to protect life and property,” Naqvi asserted.
Naqvi distinguished between legitimate political rallies and groups arriving in the capital equipped for confrontation. He acknowledged that political gatherings are normal but stressed that fully armed groups attempting to disrupt the capital would not be tolerated.
He reiterated that organisers would bear responsibility for any loss of life during protests, stating, “God forbid, if even one life is lost, those responsible will be the organisers who are bringing this group together.” He appealed to opposition leaders to reconsider their protest plans, warning that political confrontation could lead to economic and social turmoil.
Highlighting the willingness of the government to resolve disputes through dialogue, Naqvi noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has repeatedly extended offers for talks in parliament. The government remains open to discussions but will not accept attempts to settle political issues through confrontational street actions.
Finally, Naqvi confirmed that government preparations are complete, with law enforcement agencies from both the provinces and federal government ready to enforce the court’s orders. He vowed that authorities would not allow disorder similar to that seen in previous protests.
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