Islamabad (Web Desk): Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday said that he personally supports negotiations but emphasized that no talks are taking place with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) at the moment, as dialogue cannot be conducted under threats.
Speaking to the media in Islamabad, the interior minister made it clear that while protests are not being outright prohibited, they would not be allowed in the capital at certain times, particularly when important foreign visits are scheduled.
He pointed out that Islamabad would host a 65-member Belarusian delegation on November 24, followed by the arrival of the President of Belarus on November 25.
Given the significance of these visits, the minister argued that holding protests in the capital at such a time would be inappropriate.
Naqvi stated that people were welcome to protest in their own regions, but the capital would be off-limits during this period.
He also questioned the timing of the planned protests, noting that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and PTI founder Imran Khan had met just the day before.
The interior minister suggested that the public should consider who stood to benefit from these demonstrations at this particular moment.
While reiterating his own belief in the importance of dialogue, Naqvi emphasized that negotiations would only occur once the threat that looms over the process is removed.
On the issue of suspending mobile services during protests, the minister mentioned that decisions regarding potential service interruptions would be made by tomorrow night.
He also discussed ongoing talks with the KP government concerning terrorism-related cases, including the tragic shooting of 38 passengers in Parachinar.
Furthermore, Naqvi revealed that protests in Islamabad often result in arrests, with many of those detained being Afghan nationals.
Regarding Imran Khan's release, the interior minister clarified that it was not within his authority to determine whether the former prime minister would be freed.
He pointed out that Khan was facing multiple legal cases, and the decision about his release would ultimately lie with the courts.
Naqvi also noted that the Chief Justice had summoned him to appear in court on Wednesday, and he would fully comply with any court orders.