• Naqvi asks Nadra to identify troublemakers, block their CNICs and passports
• Protesters claim they did not ‘attack’ ex-CJP’s vehicle

LONDON: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has strongly condemned what the government is calling an “attack” on the vehicle of former chief justice Qazi Faez Isa, as he left a prestigious event in London on Tuesday evening.

In a statement posted to X (formely Twitter), Mr Naqvi directed authorities to take immediate action to identify those involved, saying that such acts “will not go unanswered.”

The incident took place outside Middle Temple, one of London’s historic Inns of Court, where the former CJP was attending a formal event to be called to the Bench — a significant honour for lawyers and judges.

As Justice Isa attempted to leave the venue shortly after the dinner concluded, a large gathering of PTI supporters and leaders confronted him, shouting slogans and brandishing placards.

Footage of the event showed some PTI supporters banging on the doors of a vehicle, where the former top judge can be seen crouching low. The protesters then chased the vehicle, but were unable to catch up.

Earlier, a demonstration outside the venue featured prominent PTI figures — including Zulfi Bukhari, Sahibzada Jahangir, and former MNA Maleeka Bokhari — where protesters chanted slogans against the retired judge and criticised Middle Temple’s decision to honour him.

In his statement, Mr Naqvi denounced the episode, describing it as a “tragic incident”. He said the vehicles of the former chief justice and Pakistan’s high commissioner in London were subjected to aggressive behaviour by the protesters.

Mr Naqvi emphasised the importance of accountability in this case and instructed the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) to use available footage to identify the alleged attackers. He announced plans to block the identity cards of those involved, revoke their passports, and initiate an FIR in Pakistan to facilitate further legal action.

He also questioned why there was no security detail provided for Justice Isa, who was known to be facing threats.

While the government has characterised the protesters’ actions as an “attack”, the demonstrators contended that they were exercising their right to protest. On Twitter, prominent PTI activist Shayan Ali responded to reports of Mr Naqvi’s condemnation by saying that it was not an attack, but a protest.

A PTI spokesperson also reacted sharply to the minister’s threat, saying the Constitution gave them the right to hold passports and CNICs, adding that Mr Naqvi could not cancel them.

Outside the venue, PTI speakers, including former MNA Bokhari — who had previously resigned from the party in the wake of violent protests in May — alleged that former CJP Isa’s rulings had targeted their party.

Zulfi Bukhari also gave a speech outside Middle Temple, alleging that the former top judge had “unfairly targeted” PTI during his tenure.

British barrister Mark Macdonald also spoke at the protest, criticising Middle Temple’s decision to honour Justice Isa, calling it a “grave error” that should not be repeated.

London police maintained a heavy presence at the event’s entrance, ensuring crowd control as scores of PTI supporters continued to chant slogans like “Go Qazi Go!” against Justice Isa. However, there was no official word from authorities regarding any punitive action against the protesters.

Iftikhar A. Khan in Islamabad also contributed to this report

Published in Dawn, October 31st, 2024