Naqvi hints at army deployment, curfew

ISLAMABAD:

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi warned the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of strict measures to prevent their march on D-Chowk in the federal capital, including deploying the army or imposing a curfew if protesters crossed the government's "red line."

Speaking to the media during a visit to D-Chowk and the funeral of martyred police Constable Mubashar Bilal in Rawalpindi, the minister revealed that the government had offered the PTI an alternative to stage their sit-in at Sangjani, rather than entering the capital's sensitive Red Zone.

Naqvi said that the PTI wanted "bodies to advance their disruptive agenda" but the authorities would not give them the chance. He warned that if the police fire bullets in response to the protesters' firing, they could not even cross Pathargarh, yet the law-enforcement personnel exercised restraint.

"No one has ever been given permission to protest in D-Chowk. We offered them Sangjani. We asked them to give application and sit in Sangjani," Naqvi said during his D-Chowk visit. "My information is that they got approval from Imran Khan but we haven't got a final answer from PTI," he added.

"I'm saying again the Belarus president is here in Pakistan, so do not cross the Red Line. Otherwise, we will have to take extreme steps, including invoking Article 245 [calling in the army], imposing curfew or any other extreme steps," the minister continued.

"They have to decide if they go to Sangjani or not," Naqvi stated. "They come [to D-chowk] and we let them go… this cannot happen, now," he said. "We have shown leniency where necessary but once the red line is crossed the government will take extreme steps."

He said that the protestors had been trying to get a body to spur their protest but the government had ensured that no such situation arose. "If we had fired in response to their firing, they could not have crossed even Pathargarh," he said, adding that the police showed restraint.

"Bullet could have been fired in response to a bullet, but the police responded to the protesters with rubber bullets and tear gas so that no harm is done," Naqvi said. "Those who injured our officers will not be forgiven and will be dealt with strictly," he added.

The interior minister denied holding any negotiations with the PTI, stating, "I have not spoken to anyone, neither here nor at the Ministers' Enclave."

He added that he would reveal evidence of their planning in a few days. "Wait for a while, I will talk openly."

Responding to a question about the meeting in the Adiala Jail between PTI Chairman Gohar Khan and Imran, Naqvi said it was their "own internal problem", adding: "We are now waiting for the PTI's response, after which we will talk openly."

Earlier, Naqvi attended the funeral of Constable Mubashar Bilal at the Police Lines in Rawalpindi, who was martyred in line of duty during the PTI protest on Motorway (M-1).

A Punjab government spokesperson said that more than 70 law-enforcement personnel were injured in the clashes there.

Constable Mubashar was seriously injured due to a head injury in the clash with PTI protesters near the Hakla Interchange. He was shifted to District Headquarters Hospital Rawalpindi but could not survive. His funeral was attended by Naqvi and senior military, police and administrative officers.

Meanwhile, IG Islamabad Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi visited the D-Chowk and various duty points, to boost morale of the police force, who were performing duties to maintain the law and order situation in the capital amid the PTI protest

"Will shall take every possible necessary measure to protect the lives and property of citizens and are ready to thwart adventurism from any elements," he said, while talking to officials. He instructed the officials to stay alert to deal with any emerging situation.

Also, addressing a press conference in Lahore, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari condemned the PTI for killing a policeman and injuring 70 others in clashes near Islamabad. She called the PTI "Tehreek-e-Fasad", whose armed factions wanted blood to "advance their disruptive political agenda".

She fired a broadside against Bushra Bibi, wife of PTI founder Imran Khan. "This is not a jungle where you can act like a Sultana Daku to free your husband," Bokhari said. "Bushra Bibi, leading armed mobs, is inciting Pashtuns to attack the state," she added.

She said that besides the martyrdom of Constable Mubashar, 70 more law-enforcement personnel were injured by the PTI mob. "They include constable Wajid, who was shot in the neck and legs. A Frontier Corps officer was also shot in the leg," she added.

Meanwhile, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq expressed deep sorrow and grief over the tragic loss of life of Police Constable Mubashir at the hands of the protesters. "I stand in solidarity with the bereaved family in their time of grief," said the Speaker.

Separately, talking to the media, Information Minister Ataullah Tarar called out the PTI for pursuing the politics of "chaos and anarchy", citing its violent conspiracy of May 9 arson. "The people of Pakistan want the politics of progress and welfare," he added.

(WITH INPUT FROM APP)