Islamabad (National Times) Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has warned that authorities will deal with any attempt to storm or shut down the federal capital in accordance with the law, saying Islamabad will not be allowed to remain closed for days as in the past.
Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Naqvi said the situation involving the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police was before everyone, adding that Pakistani security personnel were being killed in the line of duty.
He said the personnel who had lost their lives were neither “ours” nor “theirs” but martyrs of Pakistan.
Referring to political differences, Naqvi criticised the absence of ministers from the funerals of fallen security personnel, saying neither the ministers nor the political leadership had attended the funerals.
The interior minister also claimed that most Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) members did not want to proceed with a long march and that there was uncertainty within the party over its demands.
Regarding former prime minister Imran Khan, Naqvi said his medical treatment would be conducted in accordance with the law rather than according to his personal wishes. He added that Khan had undergone a medical examination the previous day.
Naqvi said preparations were being made to storm Islamabad and warned that anyone attempting to shut down the capital would face action under the law. He said the government had an Islamabad High Court order and would ensure its implementation in full.
He urged political groups not to enter a “dead end”, saying the government would use every legal avenue available to it.
“This time, it will not happen that you come and the country remains shut for 10 or 20 days,” Naqvi said, adding that the federal government would formulate a permanent strategy and play its role accordingly.
Asked about a threat to turn Islamabad into “Somnath”, Naqvi dismissed the remarks, saying those making provocative statements could continue doing so without affecting the government.
On rising petroleum prices, Naqvi said he did not want to comment extensively on the economy, adding that fuel prices were linked to international market conditions. He also said fuel shortages were affecting several countries.
Commenting on remarks that petrol could eventually cost Rs1,000 per litre, he said the situation was difficult and that efforts were being made to secure fuel supplies.
On the creation of new provinces, Naqvi said he was optimistic that new provinces would eventually be established, adding that the matter was moving forward rapidly.
