Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi rang up PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan on Saturday and discussed with him the prevailing situation, apprising him of the Islamabad High Court’s order, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
Mohsin Naqvi told Gohar Ali Khan that the government is bound to follow the IHC’s directive. “Permission cannot be granted for holding a rally, protest, gathering or sit-in in the federal capital,” he added.
The minister informed him that a high-level 80-member Belarussian delegation is reaching Islamabad tomorrow and Belarus president will land in Pakistan on November 25 and will stay here until November 27.
The minister highlighted the importance of ensuring a smooth visit for the delegation, citing it as a key reason for the restrictions on political activities.
In response, Gohar Ali Khan said he will get back to the minister after consultations with the party.
Ministry denies any talks going on with PTI
Interior Ministry spokesman on Saturday strongly rejected rumours regarding any talks going on with Pakistan Tahreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
The spokesman said that after the orders of Islamabad High Court (IHC) Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi contacted PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, but “we are still waiting for his final reply”.
Minister's visit to Police Lines
Early Saturday, Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi said that a delegation from Belarus was due to arrive in Islamabad on Sunday while the country’s president would reach here the very next day on Monday; so therefore, there was a need to keep Islamabad safe.
Speaking to policemen at Police Lines in Islamabad where he went early in the morning to raise their morale ahead of the PTI’s protest on November 24, the minister, while praising them for their dedication and commitment, said that the Force was to act like a team for the purpose and make sure there was no untoward incident in the federal capital during the foreign dignitary’s visit to Pakistan.
“You have to arrest each and every person who will come to the city to create a law and order situation and do not let any troble-maker go back to his home,” Naqvi told the cops.
He went on to say that the government cared for the lives of police personnel. “You will have to wear all safety gear such as helmets and jackets while performing your duties.”
“We are with you and will continue to stand by you,” the minister said, and vowed that this time the government would not allow anybody to take the law into his own hands.
He said the government would take all steps necessary to protect the lives and properties of people.
IGP, DIG and chief commissioner, Islamabad and a large number of police personnel were present on the occasion.
Reporter: Awais Kyiani