LAHORE: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has said the government will adopt a permanent strategy to deal with protests and prevent the country from being shut down for extended periods as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) prepares for a long march towards Islamabad on September 27.
Speaking at a press conference in Lahore on Sunday, Naqvi said the government would take measures to prevent a repeat of situations in which demonstrations disrupt normal life for days.
“This time, it will not happen that they come and the country remains closed for 10 or 20 days,” the interior minister said.
He added that the government could not repeatedly tolerate such circumstances.
“This time we will find a permanent solution. We cannot tolerate such a situation again and again,” he said.
IHC orders to be implemented
PTI has announced a nationwide protest and march towards Islamabad on September 27, demanding the release of its incarcerated founder Imran Khan and what it describes as the supremacy of the Constitution.
Naqvi said the government would implement the Islamabad High Court’s orders if PTI proceeded with the march.
“If they hold a long march, the Islamabad High Court’s order will be implemented in letter and spirit,” he said.
The interior minister also urged PTI leaders to reconsider their approach and avoid actions that could harm the party or its supporters.
“Do not cause harm to yourselves and your people through the approach you are taking,” he said.
Naqvi claimed there were differences within PTI leadership over whether to proceed with the planned march, saying several leaders did not want to move forward with it.
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Imran Khan’s medical treatment
The interior minister also addressed questions about the medical treatment of Imran Khan, saying the government would provide treatment within the framework of the law.
“Whatever is in the law for treatment, we will do it, not on their demand,” Naqvi said.
He added that Imran’s medical check-up had already been conducted the previous night.
Naqvi comments on fuel prices
Commenting on the country’s economic situation and rising petroleum prices, Naqvi said fuel prices were linked to developments in the international market.
“I do not want to speak much about the economy. Petrol prices increase according to the global market,” he said.
He also referred to fuel shortages being reported in several countries amid the ongoing situation in the Middle East.
“Petrol is not available in many countries. Given the situation that is going on, petrol will not be available even for Rs1,000,” he warned.
Interior minister backs new provinces
Naqvi also expressed optimism about the creation of new provinces, saying the process was moving forward.
“I am hopeful that provinces will definitely be created and the matter is moving forward very quickly,” he said.
