LAHORE MIRROR — Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Friday warned that no one could march towards the federal capital in violation of the Islamabad High Court’s (IHC) detailed judgment, saying contempt of court proceedings would be initiated against violators.
Addressing a press conference, Naqvi said it was inappropriate to prepare for sit-ins while the country was mourning those killed in a terrorist attack. He said law-enforcement agencies had been instructed to prevent any attempt to violate the court’s order.
“If you want to protest, do so in your own area or city,” he said, distinguishing between political rallies and what he described as an attempt to advance towards the capital as a group.
Naqvi warned that those organising such a gathering would be responsible for any loss of life. He urged opposition leaders to avoid confrontation, saying it would only cause harm, and added that the government would not allow a repeat of past unrest.
He said preparations had been completed in consultation with all provinces and that the authorities would seek to minimise inconvenience for Islamabad residents. He also said he personally opposed the placement of containers, but law-enforcement agencies sometimes required them for security purposes.
Naqvi said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government should ensure compliance with the law and conduct peaceful protests within the province.
The PTI has announced a long march towards Islamabad for September 27. The IHC on Friday issued its 37-page detailed judgment in a petition concerning the proposed march, holding that activities affecting citizens’ fundamental rights would amount to a violation of the Constitution.
The court said political parties had a constitutional right to peaceful assembly and dissent, but the right to protest remained subject to the Constitution and law. It also held that blocking roads or disrupting citizens’ movement and access to essential services could not be claimed as a constitutional right.
