Participation in PTI Protests Will Lead to Arrests, Warns Minister

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has warned of strict measures against participants in Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protests, reiterating that no negotiations are taking place between the government and the opposition party.

During a press conference on Monday, Tarar declared, “No one should be under any illusion. Anyone who comes for the protest will be arrested. There are no talks happening with PTI. Only once, on the order of the court, did Mohsin Naqvi contact Barrister Gohar.”

Tarar emphasized Pakistan’s improving economic indicators, highlighting a drop in inflation from 32% last year to 6.9% this year, a surge in remittances to $8.8 billion in the first quarter, and record-breaking performance by the stock market. “No one can deny these numbers,” he remarked.

He accused PTI of staging protests to disrupt foreign relations, referencing demonstrations during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit and now ahead of an important Belarusian delegation’s arrival.

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“On one side, the administration is preparing for the visit of Belarusian guests, and on the other, security arrangements are being made for the safety of citizens. Can these two systems function simultaneously?” Tarar questioned.

He warned against protests disrupting public order, adding that any harm to citizens or property would result in consequences. “The government will not allow any protest that threatens public safety. Protests are illegal, and strict action will be taken,” he said.

Taking aim at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Chief Minister, Tarar accused him of neglecting the violence in Kurram Agency, where 37 people were killed. “The Chief Minister didn’t even bother to visit. He has no concern for the peace and security of his province,” Tarar stated.

The minister criticized PTI’s alleged tactics, including setting fires in Islamabad, and urged them to limit protests to their own province. “If they want to protest, they should do it in their own province. We will not allow any attack on Islamabad,” he declared.

Tarar concluded by accusing PTI of inciting violence to destabilize the country. “They want to cause bloodshed, but the government will ensure that these plans fail,” he said.