Govt vows to stop march on Islamabad

Govt vows to stop march on Islamabad

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Friday warned that the government would take legal and administrative measures to prevent anyone from marching towards Islamabad in violation of a recent Islamabad High Court (IHC) ruling.

Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Naqvi said the government had reviewed the security and law-and-order situation ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI)’s planned nationwide protest on September 27. Officials from all provinces and federal law-enforcement agencies attended the meeting.

The PTI has announced protests across the country, including a march towards the federal capital, to demand the release of party founder Imran Khan and call for what it describes as the supremacy of the Constitution and rule of law.

Naqvi said the government would initiate contempt of court proceedings against individuals who violated the IHC’s directions. He added that law-enforcement agencies had received clear instructions regarding the government’s response to any attempt to enter or disrupt the federal capital in breach of the court order.

The IHC recently ruled that political parties, political leaders, provincial governments and public office holders could not occupy or block public roads, highways, interchanges, toll plazas or other public places within or leading to Islamabad. The court also directed authorities to protect the free movement of citizens and prevent the use of government resources for political gatherings.

The government has already stepped up preparations ahead of the September 27 protest. Last week, the administrations of Islamabad and Rawalpindi began arrangements that included requesting additional security personnel, placing containers at strategic locations and arranging anti-riot equipment.

Naqvi said the government would first pursue legal remedies against those violating the court’s directives and would also take steps to prevent protesters from advancing towards the capital.

The interior minister urged political leaders to hold demonstrations within their respective cities and areas rather than bringing large groups towards Islamabad or attempting to disrupt activities in another province.

The PTI, however, has maintained that peaceful protest is a constitutional right and has continued preparations for the September 27 mobilisation. The Islamabad High Court case regarding the protest remains part of the broader legal and administrative dispute surrounding the planned march.