Anyone participating in protest will be arrested: Information Minister

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar warned that anyone participating in protests would be arrested, stating that there were no ongoing negotiations with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

In a press conference on Monday, Tarar emphasised that the only communication between the government and PTI was initiated by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi following a court order.

He stressed, "No one should be under any illusion. Anyone who comes for the protest will be arrested. There are no talks happening with PTI. Only once, on the order of the court, did Mohsin Naqvi contact Barrister Gohar."

Tarar went on to highlight the positive economic developments in Pakistan, claiming that foreign investments were flowing into the country, and inflation had decreased significantly from 32% last year to 6.9% this year.

"Remittances in the first quarter reached $8.8 billion, and the stock market is setting new records," he added. "No one can deny these numbers."

The minister accused PTI of using protests as a tactic whenever foreign relations were improving, citing the protests during the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping and ongoing protests ahead of a Belarusian delegation's visit to Pakistan.

"On one side, the administration is preparing for the visit of Belarusian guests, and on the other, security arrangements are being made for the safety of citizens," Tarar noted. "Can these two systems function simultaneously?"

He further clarified that the government would not tolerate any protest that disrupted public order. "The government will not allow any protest that threatens public safety. Anyone causing harm to citizens or damaging property will face consequences," he warned. "Protests are illegal, and strict action will be taken."

Tarar also took a shot at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, accusing him of neglecting the violence in Kurram Agency. "37 people killed in Kurram, but the Chief Minister didn’t even bother to visit.

He has no concern for the peace and security of his province," he said. "When PTI doesn’t see anything to protest about, they set Islamabad's trees on fire."

He urged PTI supporters to channel their protests within Khyber Pakhtunkhwa instead of targeting the federal government. "If they want to protest, they should do it in their own province. We will not allow any attack on Islamabad," he said, referring to the PTI ongoing plans for a November 24 protest.

The minister concluded by accusing PTI of trying to provoke violence with the intention of creating further instability in the country. "They want to cause bloodshed, but the government will ensure that these plans fail."