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

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has accused Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan of taking a violent approach during recent protests, including armed groups shooting at police. saying the government had made sincere efforts for a peaceful resolution, but its leaders had chosen violence, Express News reported.

Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad on Thursday, Naqvi stressed that although violence took place during the protest, it was only directed against those who engaged in violent acts. He also defended police actions to clear the roads and praised the forces involved in the operation.

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

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

“The negotiations continued until 2:30 a.m. Each time, they were told that nothing would be promised,” Naqvi said, adding that the protesters’ demands were far beyond reasonable. He questioned whether the real goal of the protest was Palestine or the liberation of certain people.

He also expressed concern about the increasing 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. It also revealed footage of protesters using weapons to seize threatened vehicles.

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

“There appears to be a coordinated effort behind these protests. We are seeing a trend in recent months where every 15 days there is a major protest,” he added. He linked these protests to larger, albeit indirect, forces, without naming them.

Despite the violence, Naqvi reiterated that peaceful protests would continue to be respected, but that the government would not authorize any illegal actions. The government remains firm on its stance on public 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 State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry.

Information Minister calls for a strategy of violence to destabilize public order in the country

Attaullah Tarar condemned the violence, calling it a deliberate strategy aimed at destabilizing public order in the country under the cover of demonstrations.

He asked: “Who gave the protesters the right to destroy public and private property? The protesters martyred a police inspector. What was his fault if he was shot 21 times?”

He added: “We will under no circumstances allow arson or destruction of peace. More than 100 police officers have been targeted by violence during the protests.”

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

He highlighted the contrast between protests in Pakistan and those around the world in solidarity with Palestine, where no violence or property damage was reported.

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