'Hidden hand' blocking PTI's dialogue efforts: Mohsin Naqvi

The Interior Minister said PTI's leadership seeks negotiations not bloodshed.

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Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that the root cause of unrest lies in a "hidden hand."

He explained that while the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership does not seek bloodshed and prefers dialogue, this covert force holds significant sway.

"I don’t know when this hidden hand will take over the party; its intentions are different, and PTI is unaware that it is being deceived," he said

Speaking to the media at Islamabad’s D-Chowk, Mohsin Naqvi remarked, “I said before, responding to bullets with bullets is easy, but I have directed the police to handle the situation however they see fit. We will support our personnel. There are three or four convoys coming towards Islamabad, mostly from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, comprising around 2,000 trained individuals whose backgrounds we are verifying.”

The minister elaborated that while PTI engages in talks and makes decisions, a hidden leadership ultimately controls everything, reducing the rest of the party leadership to mere figureheads.

“Decisions like the one regarding the Sangjani protest were already made, but this covert leadership overrides them. Currently, the military in Islamabad is focused on protecting foreign delegations and the Red Zone, which remains our top priority.”

He stated that thousands of tear gas shells were provided by the KP government, and weapons are being used as well, with videos circulating on social media showing gunfire directed at law enforcement personnel.

“We have repeatedly urged them not to take any steps that would harm Pakistan. They are welcome to choose a venue for dialogue, organise their programme, but they are unwilling to comply. The entire PTI leadership does not want bloodshed, but a hidden force operating from behind is controlling everything, and its agenda is entirely against Pakistan’s interests.”

A journalist asked whether a single woman, Bushra Bibi, seems to be succeeding against all institutions. In response, Mohsin Naqvi said, “That hidden hand has not succeeded. Its agenda is solely to tarnish Pakistan’s reputation during these specific dates. If its agenda was only about its demands, it would not act in this manner.”

He reiterated that the root cause of the unrest is a "hidden hand." He said, “PTI’s leadership wanted to negotiate, but this hidden hand outweighs everyone. I don’t know when it plans to take over the party; its intentions are entirely different. PTI is unaware that it is being deceived.”

Earlier, the Interior Minister visited D-Chowk and reviewed the security arrangements from D-Chowk to Shaheed-e-Millat Chowk. Despite the shelling by miscreants, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi reached Shaheed-e-Millat Chowk and met with the personnel. He stood with them during the shelling, boosted their morale, and encouraged them to face the miscreants with bravery.

Mohsin Naqvi personally greeted the Rangers, FC, Islamabad, and Sindh Police personnel, appreciating their dedication. The officers on duty raised slogans of "Pakistan Zindabad."

Mohsin Naqvi remarked, “You are all soldiers of Pakistan. Deal with those inciting unrest strictly according to the law.”

The IG Islamabad Police, Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, and other relevant officials accompanied him during the visit.

PTI convoy marches towards Islamabad's D-Chowk amid tense clashes

The PTI convoy, led by Bushra Bibi, the wife of Imran Khan, has reached Islamabad's Zero Point from 26 Number Chungi, where intense police shelling has been reported, along with stone-pelting by PTI supporters.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior has announced the deployment of the Pakistan Army under Article 245 of the Constitution in response to escalating security concerns in Islamabad.

The move comes amid rising tensions following protests organised by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, leading to violent clashes with security forces, Express News reported.

Clashes between the police and PTI workers continue in Islamabad, with protesters reaching Zero Point.

Rangers have been deployed at key government buildings, and military troops are stationed at D-Chowk.

The effects of tear gas shelling have reached Aabpara Chowk, prompting businesses in Aabpara Market to shut down. In light of the escalating situation, additional police personnel have been called in from Rawalpindi, with an initial deployment of 1,000 officers to Islamabad.

Authorities have issued stringent directives to security personnel, authorising them to take decisive action against agitators and miscreants, including the use of extreme measures such as shooting rioters on sight, according to the Radio Pakistan website.

The interior ministry's notification also grants the Pakistan Army the authority to impose curfews in any locality deemed necessary to maintain law and order.