ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said on Thursday that government will formally allow long marches to take place in the federal capital soon, but warned that they will not allow a mockery to be made out of Pakistan any further.
Talking to the media in Islamabad, Nisar said that the district administration has received Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek’s (PAT) formal request seeking permission for their sit in in the capital.
“They have been allowed to protest in principle as long as they follow the rules and regulations of the district administration,” he said, adding that “no one will be allowed create a law and order situation”.
“It is the responsibility of PTI and PAT to hold peaceful marches.”
Nisar said that the government has made arrangements for a million people as the PTI had informed them that it will be a million-man march.
Further, Nisar said that following Lahore High Court’s orders, they have started removing containers and the twin cities will be unblocked by tomorrow morning. However, he added that some areas will still be sealed off to ensure security with security in the red zone tripled.
“The security of the whole of Islamabad and Pakistan is important not just red zone but we have international obligations and need to safeguard the diplomatic enclave.”
“We have agreed that whoever breaches red zone security, then government will deal with them as per law.”
The interior minister predicted that the PTI and PAT rallies will reach Islamabad by Friday morning.
Echoing his speech from Wednesday, Nisar said that that the army needs public support during this crucial time when they are fighting a war against militants. He reiterated that the army has no role to play in these marches.
The interior minister said that PTI convoys have started reaching Islamabad and they cannot be provided security until the district administration sets ground rules.
COMMENTS (19)
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Why is legitimate protest considered a “mockery of Democracy”? Anecdotal evidence that Nisar does know that a real Democracy encourages it’s citizens to speak their minds which includes voicing disapproval of the govt. A march is a healthy thing so long as it remains peaceful.
Look who is talking about amusement of the country! Mr.Bean wants to go clean
"Only of course if it is done by us", Nisar added.
As PTI sees it, if LHC gives pro-PTI verdict, then LHC is honest otherwise LHC is fake and dishonest. Delusional, self-righteous mindset being evolved...no wonder the inqulabi's have Chaudry's and Sheikh Rashid in their front lines.
Protests & marches are routine matter in democracy. What’s the problem !!
Very heavy rain expected on Friday in Islamabad
PMLN show of restraint should not be considered their weakness. TUQ was allowed to March only after assurance peaceful protest were recieved. Hopefully PMLN will complete its term.
If you'll are serious.........then stop doing what you'll are doing.
@Ashraf This is drama that no country would allow? Blackmail and intimidation? Huh? Seriously dude?What do you have to say about corruption by the Bhutto-Zardari clan and the Sharif Dynasty? Does that happen all around the world? And is it not called absolute inhumanity and brutality worse than any form of blackmail or intimidation?
@unbelievable: This march and Protest becomes legitimate if it has legitimate objective, motives and demand.. What Khan is demanding is all illegitimate and unconstitutional... No sesible patriotic Pakistan will allow this N if Nawaz Even think about resignation or assembly dissolving,, firstly he has to answer me for my vote..!!
shame on those who are creating restless and disruption on the day of independence. , tahir qadri and imran you have prove that you are western agent . no Pakistani should believe you . biggest enemy of Pakistan are in Punjab ( imran and qadri how much money you have got from Jews and Hindus for creating disruption on independence day) not in Baluchistan , k pk ,sindh
If the intention was to allow long march, why roads were dug up and containers put around for almost a week now? This government remains indecisive as usual.
you are trying to play double game and want to replace MNS
No other country would have allowed this drama. This is blackmail and intimidation.
Great Press Conference Nisar, you are probably the only sane voice in N-Leage. But, its too late and the sea of people will destroy the Sharif Kingdom.
Why is legitimate protest considered a "mockery of Democracy"? Anecdotal evidence that Nisar does know that a real Democracy encourages it's citizens to speak their minds which includes voicing disapproval of the govt. A march is a healthy thing so long as it remains peaceful.
So now it is ok to go against the judgement of the Lahore High court and Islamabad authorities. If anyone had a doubt they are living in a civilian dictatorship it should now be removed.
What a climbdown!
Sir, any mockery was of PMLN govt's doing. Am glad you are seeing sense now.