Interior minister reports 564 arrests during PTI protests in Islamabad

Mohsin Naqvi vows no leniency would be shown to protesters attacking police

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced that 564 individuals have been arrested during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protests, including 11 plainclothes personnel from the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) police, as reported by Express News on Saturday.

Speaking to the media at D-Chowk in Islamabad, Naqvi stated that there was an attempt to storm the capital under the leadership of the K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, with the intention of causing casualties. Fortunately, he noted, no such incidents occurred, which thwarted their plans.

He explained that plainclothes officers from the K-P police participated in the protests, marking the first instance in Pakistan where police have been utilised in such demonstrations. He added that among those arrested were 11 officers from the K-P police and 120 Afghan nationals.

The minister revealed that the K-P police officers were apprehended at D-Chowk, prompting the Ministry of Interior to initiate an investigation, with a report to be submitted to the prime minister.

He maintained that the protesters aimed to stage a sit-in until the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, but the authorities managed to control the situation with great restraint. He noted that certain elements appeared intent on inciting violence, but police and law enforcement effectively performed their duties.

Naqvi warned that those involved in the assault on the police, including the K-P CM and other individuals issuing orders for violence, would face legal repercussions. He assured that action would be taken against anyone implicated in the unrest.

The minister further stated that no leniency would be shown to those attacking police, highlighting that protesters used long-range tear gas and that trained terrorists were among the armed groups storming the capital.

In a related statement, the Inspector General of the Punjab Police noted that direct gunfire was aimed at the police. Despite this, he commended the police for their efforts in preventing any unpleasant incidents. He affirmed that the authorities would not allow any disruption of peace, assuring that Pakistan remains safe and will continue to do so.