Govt made efforts for peaceful resolution, but TLP chose violence: Naqvi

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has accused Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan of adopting a violent approach during recent protests, including armed groups firing at police. saying govt made sincere efforts for peaceful resolution but thier leadership chose violence, Express News reported.

Speaking at a media briefing in Islamabad on Thursday, Naqvi stressed that while violence had occurred during the protest, it was only directed at those who had engaged in violent acts. He also defended the police’s actions in clearing the roads and commended the forces involved in the operation.

“TLP resorted to violence and armed protests. Their groups, with weapons, fired at security forces. But apart from TLP leaders, no action will be taken against any seminaries or religious figures,” Naqvi said.

Naqvi further clarified the situation regarding the protests, explaining that negotiations had been ongoing until the very last moment. He claimed that TLP leaders were repeatedly asked to leave without any resolution.

“Negotiations continued until 2:30 am. Every time they were told that nothing would be promised,” Naqvi stated, adding that the demands of the protestors were far beyond reasonable. He questioned whether the protest’s real aim was for Palestine or to secure the release of certain individuals.

He also expressed concerns about the growing frequency of large protests in the country. He warned that while peaceful protests were allowed, violent protests involving weapons and property damage would not be tolerated. He also revealed footage of protesters using weapons to seize vehicles under threat.

Naqvi dismissed claims that there had been no dialogue, asserting that Pakistan’s high-ranking religious and political figures had attempted mediation, only to be misled by protest leaders.

“There seems to be a coordinated effort behind these protests. We are witnessing a pattern in the past few months where every 15 days, a major protest is being staged,” he added. He linked these protests to larger, albeit indirect, forces, though he stopped short of naming them.

Despite the violence, Naqvi reiterated that peaceful protests would continue to be respected, but the government would not allow any illegal actions. The government remains firm in its stance on law and order, with no tolerance for violence under the guise of protest.

The interior minister was accompanied by Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Yousaf, and Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry.

Info minister calls violence strategy to destabilise country’s law, order

Attaullah Tarar condemned the violence, labelling it a deliberate strategy aimed at destabilising the country’s law and order under the guise of protests.

He said, “Who gave the protesters the right to damage public and private property? The protesters martyred a police inspector. What was his fault that he was shot 21 times?”

He added, “We will not allow arson or the destruction of peace under any circumstances. Over 100 police officers were targeted with violence during the protests.”

Tarar noted that Pakistan had consistently raised its voice for the Palestinian cause at various international forums, which had drawn appreciation from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the people of Pakistan for their support.

He pointed out the contrast between the protests in Pakistan and those held globally in solidarity with Palestine, where no violence or property damage had been reported.

“In Pakistan, however, violent protesters, armed with sophisticated weapons, took to the streets, attacking police personnel and damaging property,” he added.