Govt has evidence PTI protesters are carrying weapons: Interior Minister

Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi has warned that if any firing occurs during the PTI protests, it will come from the protesters as police officers are not carrying any weapons on them, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Talking to media persons at D-Chowk in Islamabad on Friday, Mohsin Naqvi claimed that the government has video evidence showing PTI protesters are carrying weapons.

Naqvi acknowledged that peaceful protest is everyone's right, but he also stressed that the timing of these protests is inappropriate. "We are not against peaceful demonstrations, but we cannot allow it at this time," he said, adding the government would not grant permission for the protest to proceed.

The Interior Minister further explained that Islamabad is preparing to host foreign dignitaries, and unrest will not be tolerated. He strongly criticised the recurring arrival of protesters from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, stating, "We will not allow people to be brought from KP to storm Islamabad every fourth day." 

Naqvi also revealed that 61 Afghan nationals have already been arrested during the PTI's previous protests and rallies.

Naqvi stated that protesters from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) included Afghan nationals, warning that Islamabad cannot tolerate instability, especially with foreign dignitaries visiting the city.

The interior minister also visited the D-Chowk area to boost the morale of the law-enforcers, who also raised slogans in favour of Mohsin Naqvi.