In Islamabad, PPP leader Nasir Hussain Shah appealed on Monday for calm and mutual understanding amid rising tensions surrounding PTI’s planned protest in the capital. He emphasized the need for both the opposition party and the government to adopt a flexible and respectful approach to avoid escalation.
Speaking on a current affairs programme, Shah highlighted the ongoing threat of terrorism in the country, warning that mobilizing protestors under such conditions could place them in jeopardy. He also criticized PTI’s past movements, describing them as consistently violent.
Meanwhile, PTI leader Barrister Ali Zafar challenged the government’s use of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) law to curb political activities. He condemned the arrests of senators and National Assembly members, lamenting the silence of parliament in response to these actions.
Addressing the protest plans, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry asserted that Islamabad could not be surrendered to what he termed a mob, regardless of any court rulings. He noted that the government had complied with court orders by providing medical treatment to PTI founder Imran Khan and had formally presented its stance on his potential hospital transfer.
Chaudhry also disputed PTI’s claims regarding the number of arrests, stating the figures were exaggerated. Referring to a statement by PTI KP President Junaid Akbar about turning Islamabad into “ruins,” he argued that such remarks only strengthened the government’s resolve. He warned that any remaining tolerance for PTI’s presence in the capital had now vanished.
Furthermore, Chaudhry accused PTI leaders and lawmakers of avoiding harm during party marches, suggesting that ordinary workers were instead exploited as “fodder” in confrontations.
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