Naqvi warns against countrywide disruption as PTI plans Sept 27 long march to Islamabad 

Islamabad (Web Desk): Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has announced that the government will devise a lasting strategy to deal with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s proposed march on Islamabad, stressing that prolonged protests would no longer be allowed to bring the country’s affairs to a halt.

Addressing a press conference in Lahore, he said that the authorities would take firm measures to ensure that similar circumstances were not repeated in the future.

Naqvi said that the government would not allow a situation in which protesters arrive and normal life across the country remains disrupted for 10 to 20 days.

His statement came as PTI gets ready for a countrywide protest and march towards Islamabad scheduled for September 27.

The party has been calling for the release of its jailed founder, Imran Khan.

Naqvi maintained that the government could not continue facing the same situation repeatedly and would therefore work towards addressing the issue on a permanent basis.

He reiterated that a lasting solution would be pursued this time, saying the authorities could not continue tolerating such circumstances whenever they arose.

The interior minister also made it clear that should PTI proceed with its planned march, the government would enforce the Islamabad High Court’s directives in full accordance with the court’s ruling.

Naqvi advised PTI’s leadership to reconsider its strategy, cautioning that the current course of action could create difficulties for the party and its supporters.

He further claimed that differences existed within PTI’s leadership over the planned march, with several members of the party leadership reportedly reluctant to move forward with it.

On the medical treatment of PTI founder Imran Khan, Naqvi said the government would ensure that any treatment permitted under the law was provided to him.

He clarified that such steps would be taken according to legal provisions rather than based on demands from the party.

The interior minister said that the PTI founder had already undergone a medical examination the previous night.

Commenting on the economic situation and rising petroleum prices, Naqvi said he preferred not to elaborate extensively on the economy, explaining that petrol prices were affected by developments in the international market.

He also pointed to fuel shortages in a number of countries amid the continuing situation in the Middle East, warning that the circumstances could lead to severe petrol shortages.

Naqvi said petrol was already unavailable in several countries and cautioned that, under the prevailing circumstances, even a price of Rs1,000 would not guarantee its availability.

Regarding the possible establishment of new provinces, the interior minister expressed confidence that the process would move ahead, saying he expected new provinces to be created and that developments on the matter were progressing rapidly.