Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced on Saturday that strict action will be taken against all individuals involved in the violent protests in Islamabad, specifically targeting KP CM Ali Amin Gandapur, whom he accused of leading the attack.
Speaking alongside Inspector General (IG) Islamabad and IG Punjab at D Chowk, Naqvi detailed that 564 protestors had been arrested, including 120 Afghan nationals, while 11 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police officers were also taken into custody.
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He disclosed that these officers were found in plain clothes, equipped with tear gas canisters, masks, and rubber bullets.
Minister Naqvi reported that gunfire was directed at Punjab Police officers during the protest, which resulted in injuries to 31 officials from Islamabad Police and 75 from Punjab Police, with one officer in critical condition.
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“The Punjab Police demonstrated exceptional restraint despite facing attacks, including stone pelting and the use of long-range tear gas,” he stated.
Stressing the need for accountability, Naqvi declared, “Indiscriminate action will be taken against all planners of this attack, and no exceptions will be made for those who assaulted police personnel.”
He assured the public that efforts would be made to clear the area and restore mobile services promptly.
The protests, initiated by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party on October 4, aimed to establish a sit-in at D- Chowk until October 17 to disrupt the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) conference.
Following his arrival in Islamabad, conflicting reports about Chief Minister Gandapur’s arrest emerged, which security sources have since denied.
Naqvi expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to the residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, reaffirming the government’s commitment to maintaining peace and order. He reiterated, “Our priority was to avoid any loss of life during these confrontations.”
