ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that he personally supports negotiations, but currently no talks are taking place as dialogue cannot be held under threats. Addressing the media in Islamabad, Naqvi firmly declared that no protest would be allowed in the capital, “protests are not being prohibited but we will not permit anyone in Islamabad during specific times, particularly with significant foreign visits scheduled.”
Naqvi explained that the city would host a 65-member Belarusian delegation on November 24, fol-lowed by the arrival of the President of Belarus on November 25.
“During such crucial times, holding protests in Islamabad is inappropriate,” he said, emphasising that people were welcome to protest in their respective regions but not in the capital.
The minister questioned the timing of the protests, pointing out that the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and PTI Chairman Imran Khan met the previous day, asking why such demonstrations were being planned now. “The public must decide who benefits from these protests at this particular time,” he said.
Naqvi also reiterated that, while he personally supports negotiations, no talks are currently taking place. “We cannot engage in talks under threat. Negotiations will only happen when the threat is re-moved,” he added.
On the matter of suspending mobile service during protests, Naqvi stated that decisions regarding mobile service suspensions in specific areas would be made till tomorrow night. He also mentioned that discussions were ongoing with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s government concerning terrorism cases, citing the tragic shooting of 38 passengers in Parachinar.
Naqvi noted that when protests are held, particularly in Islamabad, arrests often follow. “Among those arrested, 20 to 25 are found to be Afghan nationals,” he revealed.
Regarding the release of Imran Khan, Naqvi stated that it was not within his authority to release the former prime minister. He added that Khan faces multiple legal cases and that the decision on his re-lease would rest with the courts.
Naqvi also mentioned that the Chief Justice had summoned him to present in court on Wednesday, and he would comply with any court orders. –Agencies
