PTI plotting to sabotage SCO summit, govt will thwart plan: Mohsin Naqvi

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has accused the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of attempting to sabotage the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, further stating that the government would not allow such plans to succeed.

During a visit to Polyclinic Hospital in Islamabad where the Interior Minister met with police officers injured by rioters, Naqvi slammed Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, accusing him of crossing all limits.

"The responsibility lies with the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. We tried to make him understand, but he is unwilling to listen and is crossing all boundaries," Mohsin added.

Mohsin Naqvi claimed that Ali Amin Gandapur's convoy fired at police, resulting in injuries to 80-85 police personnel.

The interior minister praised the courage of the injured officers, acknowledging their restraint despite the violent situation, and commended their dedication to upholding the law.

"You are the brave sons of Islamabad Police, and we are proud of you," Mohsin Naqvi said.Speaking to the media, Mohsin Naqvi

'No troublemaker will be allowed near D-Chowk'

Meanwhile, Federal Information Minister, Attaullah Tarar, has warned that no troublemakers will be allowed near Islamabad’s D-Chowk, particularly during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. He stressed that any attempt to disrupt the conference would be dealt with strictly.

Speaking at a press conference in the capital, Tarar highlighted the importance of the SCO summit, noting that several heads of state will be visiting Pakistan.

He praised the prime minister's strong stance on global issues, including Palestine and Kashmir, at the United Nations General Assembly.

Tarar criticised the opposition, particularly Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), for organising disruptive protests. He accused the PTI of attempting to derail Pakistan’s progress, noting that the economy was showing signs of improvement, with inflation rates dropping and exports rising.

He expressed frustration over the opposition’s protests coinciding with international events.

He pointed out that the opposition’s actions echo their 2013 protests, which delayed crucial investments, including Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit and the launch of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Tarar also slammed the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, accusing it of failing to lower transport fares despite falling fuel prices and neglecting development projects in healthcare and education.

He further criticised the PTI for misusing public resources to fund their protests.

He assured that the government is working hard to showcase a positive image of Pakistan to foreign investors and dignitaries, emphasising the need for security and order during the upcoming SCO summit.

He said that millions of taxpayers' rupees have been spent on these protests. Government vehicles are being used, and even the fuel for private vehicles at their rallies is being provided by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, while not a single development project has been initiated there.

Inflation is decreasing across the country, but not in KP because there is no focus on it. They are spending all their time on protests and pleasing their leader.

K-P chief minister's convoy approaches Rawalpindi

A Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) convoy, led by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and heading towards Islamabad's D-Chowk for a protest, encountered heavy police resistance as it approached Rawalpindi.

The convoy was tear gassed by security personnel near Chungi No 26 where PTI supporters set fire to a crane and a motorcycle upon facing security blockades.

According to reports, around 800 PTI workers have crossed into Rawalpindi.

K-P CM’s convoy is expected to pause for the night in Bahtar before continuing its journey toward Islamabad.

Army deployed

Earlier on Friday, the federal government called in the army troops in Islamabad, ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit and several high-profile visits later this month in the wake of the protest calls given by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

The decision to call in the army came on the heels of a complete lockdown of the twin cities because of the PTI's planned protest at D-Chowk - right in front of parliament in the Red Zone - with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur vowing to reach there at any cost.

The army has been deployed in addition to the paramilitary Rangers and Frontier Constabulary personnel. A notification issued by the interior ministry stated that the army would remain in the capital from October 5 to 17 for maintaining law and order situation.

Section 144 in effect

To prevent any disturbances and maintain public order, law enforcement agencies have intensified security measures across several major cities.

Public gatherings, political rallies, and demonstrations have been banned under Section 144, which is being enforced to ensure the safety of citizens and safeguard public property.