Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi Warns of Arrests for Protesters Heading to D-Chowk

Islamabad: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has claimed that foreign nationals, particularly Afghan citizens, are involved in the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protests, adding that no rallies have come from anywhere except Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Speaking at a press conference at D-Chowk, Naqvi emphasized that during the previous PTI protest, 33 out of 100 arrested individuals were Afghan nationals, and several foreign nationals have been arrested in the past two days as well.
He questioned PTI’s leadership, asking whether their protests were being led by Pakistanis or foreign nationals. Naqvi stated that once the PTI protest concludes, the government will present an estimate of the damages caused, allowing the public to make an informed decision about the protest’s impact on the country and citizens.
The Interior Minister highlighted that while mobile services were operational, mobile data services were suspended. He assured that efforts are underway to restore data services as soon as possible.
Naqvi also noted that the government had received communication from senior officials about the security situation and protest developments, including a briefing to Barrister Gohar about the arrival of foreign dignitaries in Pakistan.
The minister further criticized PTI for scheduling protests around significant international events or visits by foreign personalities, suggesting that the party’s motives were suspicious.
He made it clear that the government would not be intimidated by anyone and warned that any attempt to gather at Islamabad or D-Chowk would result in arrests.