PTI Islamabad march: Interior Minister Naqvi warns of legal action over violation after IHC order 

Islamabad (Web Desk): Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has said that no one will be allowed to enter Islamabad in groups or attempt to surround the federal capital in defiance of the Islamabad High Court’s (IHC) detailed judgment.

He warned that those who disregard the court’s directives could face contempt of court proceedings without delay.

Addressing a press conference alongside Minister of State for Interior Senator Talal Chaudhry and Islamabad Advocate General Manzoor Ahmad on Friday, Naqvi said security forces and law-enforcement agencies (LEAs) had been given clear orders to maintain peace and prevent any effort to disturb public order in the capital.

The minister said law-enforcement personnel would not simply watch if protesters attempted to violate the law, stressing that an appropriate response would be taken to deal with any such situation.

Referring to the country’s current security situation, including the terrorist attack in Kohat, Naqvi highlighted the sacrifices of security personnel and said the timing of the planned protests was concerning.

He noted that while families and the nation were attending the funerals of martyrs, preparations were also being made for sit-ins and a march towards Islamabad.

The minister called on the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government and the chief minister to concentrate on tackling terrorism and strengthening the rule of law in the province instead of using state resources for a march on the federal capital.

He said political parties had every right to organize peaceful demonstrations, but stressed that there was a difference between holding a political rally and moving groups towards Islamabad with the intention of surrounding the city.

The interior minister said that protests should be held within the relevant areas and provinces and should not be used to shut down the capital or interfere with the routine activities of its residents.
Naqvi further cautioned that if the confrontation resulted in even one death, those who organized the protest would be held responsible.

He also appealed to opposition figures to review their decision, saying that escalating political tensions would ultimately have consequences for the country.

The minister said the government’s primary concern was the protection of citizens and that efforts would be made to prevent unnecessary disruption to everyday life in Islamabad.

Meanwhile, Islamabad Advocate General Manzoor Ahmad said security personnel would ensure that protesters were prevented from moving towards the federal capital.

He added that government machinery would not be permitted to be used in Islamabad in connection with the protest.

The advocate general further stated that the Constitution provides for action against individuals who fail to fulfil their constitutional obligations, adding that proceedings could also be initiated under Article 5.