ISLAMABAD, SEP 21: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the government will adopt a permanent strategy to handle the planned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) long march towards Islamabad, warning that the country will not be allowed to remain shut for 10 to 20 days due to demonstrations.
Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Naqvi said the government would take measures “once and for all” to prevent a repeat of such situations.
“This time, it will not happen that they [protesters] come and the country remains closed for 10 or 20 days,” he said.
Naqvi’s remarks came as the PTI prepares for a nationwide protest and march towards Islamabad on September 27, demanding the release of its incarcerated founder Imran Khan and supremacy of the Constitution.
Addressing the presser, the interior minister said the government could not repeatedly tolerate such a situation and would seek a permanent solution.
“This time we will find a permanent solution. We cannot tolerate such a situation again and again,” he said.
Naqvi said the government would fully implement the Islamabad High Court’s orders if the PTI proceeded with the march. “If they hold a long march, the Islamabad High Court’s order will be implemented in letter and spirit,” he vowed.
Naqvi also urged the PTI leadership to reconsider its approach: “Do not cause harm to yourselves and your people through the approach you are taking.”
He said the PTI leadership itself was divided over whether to hold the long march, adding that many within its leadership did not want to proceed.
Naqvi also said the government would provide medical treatment to PTI founder Imran Khan within the framework of the law.
“Whatever is in the law for treatment, we will do it, not on their demand,” he said, adding that Imran’s medical check-up had already been conducted the previous night.
While speaking on the country’s economic situation and rising petroleum prices, the interior minister said: “I do not want to speak much about the economy. Petrol prices increase according to the global market.”
He said fuel shortages were being reported in several countries amid the ongoing Middle East situation.
“Petrol is not available in many countries. Given the situation that is going on, petrol will not be available even for Rs1,000,” he warned.
The interior minister also expressed optimism about the creation of new provinces. “I am hopeful that provinces will definitely be created and the matter is moving forward very quickly.”
