ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said on Friday that the government would prevent any attempt to march towards the federal capital and initiate contempt of court proceedings against those violating a recent Islamabad High Court (IHC) order. Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Naqvi said a detailed meeting had been held to review the upcoming protest call and the law-and-order situation. Officials from all provinces and federal law enforcement agencies attended the meeting. The minister was referring to the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s (PTI) call for nationwide protests, including in Islamabad, on September 27. The party has said the demonstrations are aimed at seeking the release of its founder Imran Khan and demanding supremacy of the Constitution. Naqvi said the government would take legal action against anyone violating the IHC order and added that security agencies had been clearly instructed to prevent marchers from entering the federal capital. “We will stop the marchers in every possible way,” he said, adding that all law enforcement agencies had been informed of the government’s decision. The interior minister said past protests had involved the use of weapons and resulted in casualties. He said law enforcement agencies had been given clear rules of engagement and would respond if firearms were used against them. Naqvi urged the PTI leadership to restrict demonstrations to their respective provinces and cities, saying attempts to shut down Islamabad or enter another province would not be permitted. He said the government’s responsibility was to protect the lives and property of residents of the capital. He also warned that organizers of the march would be held accountable if any loss of life occurred. Distinguishing between peaceful political protests and violent demonstrations involving armed individuals, Naqvi said the government had finalized its preparations and that law enforcement agencies were ready. He also urged opposition leaders to reconsider the planned march, while reiterating that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had repeatedly invited the opposition to hold talks on political issues. Commenting on the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Naqvi referred to the recent attack in Kohat and said security agencies were engaged in efforts to combat terrorism in the province. He urged the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister and cabinet to focus on counterterrorism efforts instead of mobilizing people and resources for long marches. Earlier on Friday, at least 21 people, including 15 police officials, were killed when an explosives-laden vehicle detonated near a mosque at Kohat Police Lines. More than 80 people were injured, according to officials. Senior police and district health officials said terrorists subsequently stormed the compound and attacked police facilities.
