Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has issued a stern warning to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, accusing him of crossing numerous lines and hinting at the possibility of extreme measures if the situation escalates further.
In a conversation with the media, the interior minister indicated that the chief minister has been involved in actions that have exacerbated the crisis, with protesters hurling stones at the police and creating disturbances in the area. Naqvi emphasized that while efforts were made to resolve the situation peacefully, the ambitions of the provincial leadership have gone beyond acceptable limits.
"We are closely monitoring the situation. If more lines are crossed, extreme measures will be taken," warned Naqvi, without elaborating on the specific actions that may follow. The minister also held PTI leaders, particularly Ali Amin Gandapur, accountable for the unrest, accusing them of inflaming the situation with their rhetoric and actions.
As the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization) conference approaches, the federal government is keen on maintaining order and ensuring the event is not sabotaged. Naqvi stressed that under no circumstances would the conference be disrupted, warning that those responsible for attacks, particularly on Islamabad, will "pay the price."
During his media briefing, Naqvi also revealed that 120 Afghans were arrested in the last 24 hours, raising concerns about external elements joining the protests. He questioned how they managed to infiltrate the demonstrations, particularly as evidence surfaced of protesters allegedly preparing for violence, including bringing weapons.
"There are chats where it was instructed to bring weapons to the protests. Where did these Afghans come from?" he asked.
Naqvi confirmed that 80 to 85 police officers had been injured during the clashes, many due to tear gas fired by the protestors. He indicated that investigations are ongoing to determine how protestors managed to acquire such large quantities of tear gas.
When asked about the possibility of imposing an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Naqvi said that political leadership, including the Prime Minister and President, are in constant contact. "The final strategy will be implemented after thorough discussions, but rest assured, we will not allow the country’s peace to be sabotaged."
He concluded with an apology to the citizens of Islamabad for the disruption caused by the heightened security measures but emphasized that these steps are necessary for their safety. "We are doing everything we can to ensure the security of the city and its residents. The army and Rangers have also been deployed, and we will act firmly to restore peace," he said.
Two PTI workers from Abbottabad were also arrested during the protests, Naqvi confirmed.
