Govt vows to enforce IHC order on PTI protest

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said on Friday that the government would ensure implementation of the Islamabad High Court’s decision regarding protests and marches towards the federal capital as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) plans a nationwide rally, including Islamabad on September 27. Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Naqvi said a meeting had been held to discuss the protest call and that all forces and relevant institutions had been directed to implement the court’s ruling. He said any violation of the court order could lead to contempt of court proceedings. “There is no justification for storming Islamabad, ” Naqvi said, adding that protecting the lives and property of Islamabad’s residents would remain the government’s priority. The minister said security personnel had been directed to stop any attempt to create disorder. He added that if violence or firing took place, those organising the march would be held responsible for any loss of life. Naqvi referred to previous protests, saying demonstrators had used weapons in the past and that such incidents had caused significant losses. His comments came hours after a three-member Islamabad High Court bench headed by Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar issued a detailed 37-page judgment concerning a possible PTI march towards Islamabad. The court said activities that affect the fundamental rights of Islamabad’s residents would amount to a violation of the Constitution. It also held that no political party or provincial government had the legal right to block highways, interchanges or public places leading to the capital. The court said the right to peaceful protest was constitutionally protected but could not be used to justify violence, weapons, road blockades or violations of other citizens’ rights. It also said government funds, vehicles, machinery or officials could not be used for a political march towards Islamabad. Naqvi said the government was aware of the inconvenience caused to citizens by security measures, including the placement of containers, but said steps would have to be taken to protect the public. “I am personally against putting up containers, ” he said, adding that the government would have to take measures necessary for public safety. The interior minister also referred to Friday’s terrorist attack in Kohat, where at least 16 people were killed and 57 injured. He said security forces were fighting terrorists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa while preparations were being made for a protest. He questioned the justification for holding a sit-in while funerals of those killed in the Kohat attack were taking place. Naqvi said there was a distinction between political gatherings, rallies and groups involved in disorder. He added that peaceful political activity was acceptable, but the government would not allow anyone to create unrest. He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had repeatedly offered dialogue and maintained that political differences would ultimately have to be resolved through talks. “There are many sensible people in the opposition, ” Naqvi said, adding that confrontation and violence would benefit no one. Naqvi said he remained in favour of peaceful protests. He also explained that containers had previously been moved when authorities learned that medicines were present, saying police did not put human lives at risk. He said the government was more concerned about the health of PTI founder Imran Khan than the party itself.

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