Protests barred under court orders, Mohsin tells Gohar

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has conveyed to PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar on Saturday that under court orders protests or sit-ins cannot be allowed and they would have to withdraw from their protest call.

 “We are bound by the Islamabad High Court’s order. No processions, sit-ins, or rallies can be allowed under the current circumstances”, the Interior Minister told Barrister Gohar

The minister also briefed Barrister Gohar about the visit of a high-level Belarusian delegation, led by President Alexander Lukashenko. The 80-member delegation will arrive in Islamabad on November 24 and stay until November 27. Naqvi emphasized the need for a peaceful environment during the visit.

Barrister Gohar said that he will discuss the matter with the party leadership and then will convey his answer.

Islamabad sealed off at 24 points ahead of PTI protest

Meanwhile, talks between the government and PTI have reportedly hit a deadlock. Sources said PTI rejected government proposals, including shortening their November 24 protest at D-Chowk or moving it to an alternative venue, such as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. PTI leadership remains firm on their planned demonstration.

In response, the government has decided to adopt a strict stance. Punjab authorities imposed Section 144 across the province from November 23 to November 25. Entry and exit points to Islamabad and Rawalpindi have been blocked at 33 locations, with containers placed at key spots. Hostels, guest houses, and hotels have been evacuated, and vehicle entry at motorways has been restricted.

PTI founder Imran Khan, currently incarcerated, has called for nationwide protests on November 24. Roads leading to the twin cities have already been sealed to prevent disruptions.