Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi claimed that foreign nationals, including Afghan citizens, are participating in protests organised by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), while rallies have only emerged from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
In a press conference at D-Chowk, Naqvi revealed that “33 out of 100 individuals arrested in PTI’s last protest were Afghans, and several other foreign nationals were detained in the past two days.” He questioned PTI’s intentions, asking, “Are Pakistani citizens involved in your protests, or is this a movement led by foreigners?”
Naqvi added that, once the protests conclude, authorities would publicly present an assessment of the damages incurred, so that the public can make decisions. “PTI protests bring harm to the country and create considerable hardship for citizens,” he said.
He clarified that mobile services remain operational across Pakistan, though mobile data services have been temporarily suspended to manage the situation. “We’re working to restore mobile data as soon as possible to relieve the public,” Naqvi noted.
The minister also highlighted communication with PTI’s Barrister Gohar, reminding him of the foreign delegations currently visiting Pakistan.
Naqvi said he wouldn’t have doubted PTI’s intentions had they chosen a date without overlapping with significant international events. “PTI’s protest call always coincides with major global events or visits by foreign dignitaries,” he remarked.
Asserting the government’s position, Naqvi stated, “The government is neither intimidated nor yielding. Anyone attempting to reach Islamabad or D-Chowk will be detained.”
