Imposing curfew in Islamabad on the cards, warns Mohsin Naqvi

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has warned that if Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaaf (PTI) protestors cross the government’s red lines, we will not hesitate to impose a curfew in Islamabad.

 “If necessary, we will impose a curfew, invoke Article 245 to call in the army, or adopt other extreme measures,” Naqvi stated, highlighting the government’s resolve to maintain law and order.

 He clarified that the PTI had been offered Sangjani as a protest site 24 hours ago, and PTI leaders had held two meetings with Imran Khan in Adiala Jail regarding this offer.

According to Naqvi, permission for the protest at Sangjani could be granted by the deputy commissioner, but no approval would be given for demonstrations at D-Chowk or elsewhere in Islamabad.

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The minister accused the PTI of deliberately seeking to incite violence. “We are trying to ensure no loss of life, but they seem to be looking for casualties. If they fire, the response will also be fire,” he warned. He also criticized the PTI’s leadership for failing to provide a clear response to the government’s proposals.

Naqvi underlined that the presence of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in Islamabad made maintaining security and order even more critical. “Bringing 5,000 to 10,000 people and trying to take over the city is unacceptable. We will not allow it,” he asserted.

Naqvi reiterated that the government had been clear in its stance from the beginning. “We told them this is damaging. We will stop them, using any tactic necessary,” he said, adding that the high court had been informed of the ongoing efforts to communicate with the PTI.

The minister concluded by reiterating his warning: “If the red line is crossed, we will be compelled to take extreme action to protect the city and its citizens.”