Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday warned the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of strict action if it goes ahead with its planned February 8 protest which coincides with the Champions Trophy match scheduled in Lahore.
The PTI had decided to observe black day on Feb 8 to protest against its 'stolen mandate' in last year's general elections and announced a plan to hold public gatherings in Minar-e-Pakistan ground.
"The government will request the PTI to reconsider its planned protest on February 8, but if the party refuses, the state will take necessary action," the interior minister said during his visit to the Mega Passport Centre on Peco Road in Lahore.
He accused the party of damaging Pakistan's international image by organising demonstrations whenever foreign dignitaries visit the country. "Their politics promote chaos rather than constructive development."
Dismissing negative reports on social media about the Pakistan-US relations, Naqvi said that the ties between the two countries were strong and improving.
He highlighted that Pakistan's recent delegation visit to the US has yielded significant benefits and that better days are ahead for Pakistan. "You will see positive results very soon."
"I met with several senators and congressmen there. Some things are only based on social media demand and some things are based on reality. You have already started seeing some results in reality and some will be happening soon."
He announced major reforms in NADRA, passport offices and the FIA to improve public services and tackle illegal immigration.
Naqvi said the government was implementing large-scale reforms to address public grievances.
He said that passport demand in Pakistan was high, and the introduction of new counters at NADRA centres would speed up processing times, ensuring no delays in passport issuance.
He announced that 14 major cities across the country will have similar centres to facilitate citizens and prevent long queues. He stressed that strict action was being taken against those attempting to travel abroad illegally using fake documents, as well as against agents involved in human smuggling.
He warned that these agents will soon be brought to justice.
In response to a question, he revealed that major reforms were planned for the FIA, particularly in Faisalabad and Gujrat, as a large number of youths from these areas attempt to go abroad illegally.
While legal migration is encouraged, he warned that illegal routes tarnish Pakistan's reputation and harm its global standing.
Naqvi assured that action against human smugglers was a priority and that the public would soon receive good news regarding their crackdown.
Regarding passport delivery issues, he stressed that the establishment of a passport authority was the only solution. He said he has already discussed this with the prime minister, acknowledging that there are some challenges, but work on the authority's formation will begin soon.
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