Tarar vows to block violent groups from entering Islamabad

Tarar vows to block violent groups from entering Islamabad

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Atta Tarar has said that the government will ensure that no violent group enters Islamabad, stressing that maintaining public order and protecting citizens’ rights remain its responsibility.

Speaking at a press conference, Tarar said the courts had issued clear directives regarding the closure of roads in Islamabad and disruptions to public movement. He maintained that the administration would take all necessary steps to prevent inconvenience to citizens and ensure the smooth flow of traffic.

“Our responsibility is to ensure that no violent group enters Islamabad,” the minister said, underscoring the government’s position on maintaining law and order in the capital.

Tarar also provided an update on the Prime Minister’s Fuel Relief Scheme, revealing that around 2.2 million people had registered for the programme so far. He clarified that applicants do not need to own a motorcycle to qualify for the scheme.

The minister further announced that the government had removed the previous requirement of owning a motorcycle with a minimum fuel capacity or usage threshold of five litres, making the scheme accessible to a broader segment of the population.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb questioned the rationale behind calls for marches, strikes and sit-ins amid the country’s current circumstances.

Aurangzeb said the government had achieved economic stability through difficult decisions and that sustaining the country’s economic progress was a shared responsibility.

He urged stakeholders to resolve their differences through dialogue rather than resorting to protests and demonstrations. According to the finance minister, strikes and sit-ins could undermine economic activity and ultimately place a greater burden on ordinary citizens, particularly low-income families.

The ministers’ remarks come amid discussions over public protests, administrative measures in Islamabad and government efforts to provide financial relief to citizens through the fuel subsidy programme.