Islamabad:Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Atta Tarar, has claimed that many members of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) are eager for their leader, Imran Khan, to be released from jail. He added that a significant number of PTI supporters have contacted local authorities, voluntarily offering themselves for arrest. “People are willingly submitting to arrest,” Tarar said during a media interaction in Islamabad.

He assured that the government would maintain law and order in Islamabad, emphasizing that the city’s peace would not be compromised. “We will not allow anyone to disrupt the peace of the city,” Tarar stated. While some roads in the capital remain closed due to ongoing protests, he confirmed that many others remain open for traffic.

The Information Minister also criticized PTI’s demands, suggesting that they are not genuinely concerned about issues but are simply seeking an amnesty. “Their only demand is to be granted an NRO (National Reconciliation Ordinance). This is not the government’s job but the responsibility of the courts,” he said.

Tarar noted that Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi is closely monitoring the situation to ensure proper security arrangements. He added, “Anyone who tries to disrupt the peace will face the strictest legal actions.” He reaffirmed that maintaining law and order is the government’s duty, and no one would be allowed to disturb the city’s calm.

The Information Minister also suggested that PTI should focus on addressing law and order issues in their own province before disrupting the capital. “PTI should first manage the security situation in their own province. Protests continue in Kurram, and they should work on improving the situation there. They are trying to derail the national economy,” Tarar said, referring to the ongoing unrest in Kurram District.

Regarding the economic situation, Tarar highlighted the government’s efforts to provide relief to the public by reducing inflation. “Inflation is decreasing, and relief is being provided to the people,” he stated. He questioned the rationale behind PTI’s protests, asking, “What is PTI protesting about? They first caused chaos in the country, and now their own party is divided.”

Tarar concluded by addressing the upcoming visit of Belarusian ministers and a delegation, stating, “We will welcome the Belarusian ministers and tell them that we are peaceful people.” This remark was aimed at reassuring international visitors of Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining peace despite the internal political unrest.

The Minister’s comments reflect the government’s stance on PTI’s ongoing protests and its commitment to maintaining peace and order in the country’s capital.