Govt to stop anyone marching on Islamabad 'in every possible way', says Naqvi

Govt to stop anyone marching on Islamabad 'in every feasible way', states Naqvi.

Key points

• News Desk Published September 18, 2026 Updated September 18, 2026 08: 19pm.
• Earlier today, at least 21 individuals, including 15 police office-holders, were martyred when an explosives-laden vehicle detonated near a mosque in Kohat Police Lines.
• Commenting on the attack in Kohat, Naqvi remarked security agencies had been fighting terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
• He reiterated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had repeatedly invited the opposition from the floor of parliament to hold discussions on all matters.
• Authorities from all provinces and federal law enforcement agencies had additionally attended the session.

News Desk Published September 18, 2026 Updated September 18, 2026 08: 19pm. Join our Whatsapp Channel. Add Dawn as a trusted source.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi remarked on Friday that the administration would stop anyone from marching towards the federal capital "in every possible way" and file contempt of court proceedings against those who violated a recent Islamabad High Court (IHC) decision. He was addressing a press conference in Islamabad alongside other authorities.

Meanwhile, the interior minister's remarks came after PTI's call for a nationwide protest, including in Islamabad, on September 27 to demand the release of party founder Imran Khan and mobilise residents for the supremacy of the Constitution.

Last week, the administrations of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad began preparations to counter the PTI's unveiled countrywide protest, including a request for detention of activists, arranging containers, seeking extra personnel and procuring anti-riot gear.

At the outset of his press conference on Friday, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi remarked a detailed gathering had been held to discuss the upcoming protest call and the law and order situation. Authorities from all provinces and federal law enforcement agencies had additionally attended the session.

"In light of the detailed IHC judgment, there is no possibility of ravaging the federal capital or any other province, " he remarked.

According to The minister, if anyone took to the streets, the administration would first pursue legal action by filing a contempt petition against them for violating the IHC order.

Meanwhile, he remarked, "We will stop the marchers in every possible way." All law enforcement agencies had been informed of the decision "with all clarity", Naqvi went on.

He remarked weapons had been employed and losses suffered in protests previously.

"This time, we are communicating particularly clear rules of engagement to our law enforcement agencies. They will not remain silent if a bullet is fired at them, " he remarked.

He pressed the protesting party's leadership to hold demonstrations in their respective provinces and cities. "Plans for locking down the capital or charging into another province will never be allowed, " he remarked.

"It is our responsibility to stop this protest to ensure the protection of the lives and property of the capital's residents, " the interior minister remarked.

Meanwhile, the interior minister drew a distinction between a political protest aimed at pursuing political interests and a violent campaign involving individuals armed with weapons.

"There is complete clarity. The organisers of this march will be held accountable if even a single life is lost, " he remarked.

Naqvi remarked there were still some "sensible" voices within the opposition and hoped they would reconsider their decision. "There is only loss in it, no sort of gain at all, " he continued.

He reiterated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had repeatedly invited the opposition from the floor of parliament to hold discussions on all matters. "If you want to resolve matters through violent mobs, we are ready for it, " he remarked.

Notably, the interior minister reaffirmed that the administration had finalised its preparations and all law enforcement agencies were ready.

"We will not allow people to spread turbulence as happened in the past, " he remarked.

In a detailed judgment issued today, the IHC ruled that any activity resulting in infringement of citizens' fundamental rights amounts to a violation of the Constitution.

It cautioned that public office holders responsible for such violations would additionally be deemed to have breached their oath of office.

Meanwhile, the court additionally held that the right to peaceful assembly could not be exercised in a manner that infringed the fundamental rights of other citizens.

"We have to focus on this, rather than making strategies for mobilising masses, arranging transport and collecting money, " he remarked.

"After such incidents, it doesn't suit you to call for long marches and, on the other hand, lift the dead bodies of martyrs, " he continued.

He further remarked the KP chief minister and his cabinet should work towards eradicating terrorism with the same spirit with which they were carrying out campaigns for long marches.

Earlier today, at least 21 individuals, including 15 police office-holders, were martyred when an explosives-laden vehicle detonated near a mosque in Kohat Police Lines. More than 80 individuals were injured, according to the office-holders.

For context, the incident was followed by terrorists storming the compound and attacking police facilities, according to senior police and district health authorities.

For now, govt to stop anyone marching on Islamabad ' in every possible way' , says remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.