Govt to devise its plan once PTI prepares for Aug 5 protest: Naqvi

ISLAMABAD: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Friday said that the government would devise its strategy to deal with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s August 5 protest after the party is prepared for the demonstration.

During in interactive session, when asked about PTI’s planned protest, Naqvi replied, “Let PTI prepare first; then we’ll prepare.”

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, accompanied by Interior Secretary Khurram Agha, met with a group journalists covering internal security and the Interior Ministry.

The session included Q&A on strengthening internal security and on agencies under the ministry. The minister also spoke off the record on some sensitive topics.

It was agreed that beat reporters’ access to the ministry and its agencies would be improved. Subordinate departments will begin regular performance briefings.

Referring to his earlier comment, the interior minister said: “When I said terrorists in Balochistan are just an SHO’s worth of trouble, the quote was aired incompletely. I clearly stated it was a metaphor. Making half a sentence famous without context isn’t fair.”

He stressed that no new force is replacing the Frontier Constabulary (FC), and it would continue its work.

Talal Chaudhry confirmed that tribal districts will retain representation in the FC.

Questioned on foreign reports claiming the US president discussed PTI’s founder during Naqvi’s trip, he said, “I’m bound by oath regarding that visit; I can’t comment.” On an Urdu daily’s column, he stated on oath that he had never spoken to the columnist and called the article inaccurate.

On rumours of removing the President of Pakistan, Naqvi said someone had to respond: “A journalist might apologise in two words, but the damage from a false story can be irreparable.” He added that the president would complete his term once fully recovered.

Regarding Afghan refugees, Naqvi said a clear timetable has been given: “We’ve expelled only undocumented individuals. No one can live illegally in a country for decades.” He noted that over 300,000 Afghans had been deported from Iran in the past two weeks. “We’re not against Afghans; they’re our brothers. The operation targets all foreigners living unlawfully. Those with valid documents can stay.” The repatriation deadline will not be extended.

He said that nine major online-fraud gangs were arrested in the last 20 days: “They’ll be punished under Pakistani law and then black-listed.”

On criticism of road subsidence near the F-8 Interchange during heavy rain, he said responsibility lay with Sui Northern Gas, which had dug up the road to lay a pipeline and failed to repair it properly.

“I am answerable to Allah Almighty for my performance,” Naqvi remarked, pledging to finish his next project in 30 rather than 45 days. He warned that Islamabad faces a serious smog threat within three to four years; a committee has been formed to make the capital smog-free, and vehicle testing is under way.

The minister said 133 illegal housing societies have been identified in Islamabad and action is under way against them. The city’s green belt is being expanded, and pollution will be eliminated at all costs. Efforts continue to raise the Pakistani passport’s international ranking, with a crackdown on illegal passports issued to Afghans. Reforms introduced by the Nadra chairman, he added, have greatly improved performance.

Naqvi noted that new buildings are being constructed for all Islamabad police stations; funding has been secured and refurbishment would be finished by December. “A better law environment will mean better police performance,” he concluded.