Naqvi warns PTI of dire consequences if protests in D-Chowk

Islamabad: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi issued a strong warning on Thursday, stating that strict action will be taken against anyone attempting to protest in Islamabad’s D-Chowk during the visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Addressing a press conference, Naqvi urged the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to reconsider its plans due to the presence of a foreign leader and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting taking place in Pakistan. He emphasized that the Malaysian prime minister’s protocol would not be compromised.

“Any attempt to gather at D-Chowk will be met with serious consequences,” Naqvi warned, adding that no leniency would be shown to those involved. He criticized Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur for backing such actions and said full security arrangements are already in place for any potential protests.

Naqvi also mentioned that a Saudi Arabian delegation is expected to visit soon, and the army has been deployed to ensure maximum security. He stressed that disrupting high-profile visits would be inappropriate and against the country’s interests.

He further noted that JUI-F leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman had advised PTI to delay its protest, warning that if they proceed, the state is ready to respond.

Naqvi concluded by urging political workers to carefully reconsider their actions, saying, "Don’t blame us later; we have prepared our strategy until the 17th of October."