ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has said that no group will be allowed to enter Islamabad on Sept 27, declaring that the government will stop any march on the capital “in every possible way” and hold its organisers personally responsible for any loss of life.

His statement followed an Islamabad High Court (IHC) ruling that no political party has the right to occupy public roads, highways, or government buildings — a verdict delivered in response to a petition against the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s (PTI) planned long march. It also coincided with an internal security meeting at the Ministry of Interior, chaired by Mr Naqvi and attended by officials from all law enforcement agencies and provincial administrations.

Interior minister draws distinction between political activity and ‘armed mobs’; says capital city can’t be ‘shut down’ for protest

Legal recourse, strict enforcement

The meeting finalized the government’s strategy to handle the upcoming PTI march, which demands the release of incarcerated party founder Imran Khan.

Addressing a press conference alongside Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudry, Mr Naqvi stated that the IHC verdict leaves no room for any attempt to “storm Islamabad.”

“If someone comes out after the court’s decision, we will first initiate contempt of court proceedings. Otherwise, we will not allow anyone to come out,” Naqvi said, noting that provincial administrations have been informed.

Mr Naqvi said all law enforcement agencies had been told with clarity to stop the protesters in compliance with the IHC judgement and that preparations to prevent groups from entering the federal capital had been completed in consultation with all provinces.

“We are ready this time and will not allow the disorder that some people have spread in the past,” he said.

“If they want to bring a group, we are fully prepared.”

Peaceful protests vs armed mobs

He said Islamabad could not be shut down, nor could attacks be allowed under the guise of any protest, adding that it was the responsibility of the interior ministry to protect lives and properties of residents in the territory of Islamabad.

Responding to social media chatter regarding mobilising specific tribes for the capital march, Mr Naqvi drew a firm distinction between political activity and violent agitation. “Political activity is one thing, while arriving in the form of armed mobs is quite another. There is a difference between political rallies and an attack by armed groups,” he said.

“You should certainly protest, but do so in your own area and city,” he urged, advising the party to hold peaceful demonstrations within their respective provinces instead.

The minister argued that the government is actively fighting terrorism in Khyber Pakht­unkhwa (KP) and urged leaders to focus on security over political demonstrations.

Referring to the suicide bombing inside the Kohat Police Lines mosque, Mr Naqvi remarked: “It does not look good to carry the funerals of martyrs on one hand and prepare for a sit-in on the other.”

He stated that if the KP Chief Minister prepared to confront terrorists with the same readiness displayed for sit-ins, terrorism in the province could be drastically reduced.

Noting that the security forces are fighting a war in a province currently ruled by PTI, he urged the provincial government to focus on law enforcement rather than collecting funds, arranging transport, and mobilizing crowds for protests.

The interior minister recalled that security personnel had suffered casualties and faced gunfire during past demonstrations. “This time, we have told clear rules of engagement to our security forces; there is no possibility that they will sit idle if a bullet is fired at them,” he warned.

Call for dialogue, review

Appealing to “sensible leaders” within the opposition to reconsider their protest call, the interior minister warned that ongoing agitation harms the country, the national economy, and the local population.

“I hope that sense will prevail and they will review this decision,” he said, reiterating that dialogue remains the ultimate solution and recalling Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s repeated invitations for political talks.

“They should think as patriotic Pakistanis,” Mr Naqvi added, suggesting that PTI conduct an internal survey, as a majority of its members might not even understand the purpose of marching to Islamabad. He clarified that while he personally opposes placing shipping containers and sealing the Red Zone and buffer areas, law enforcement agencies deploy them when necessary to keep the capital secure.

Published in Dawn, September 19th, 2026