Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has urged Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to cancel its planned protest in Lahore on February 8. He warned that any public gathering would be handled like the crackdown on November 26.
Speaking at a passport office inauguration in Lahore, Naqvi said the government would formally ask PTI to reconsider its decision. “If they refuse, the state will take strict action,” he added.
PTI Plans Black Day Protests
PTI has announced February 8 as a Black Day to protest alleged electoral fraud in the 2024 general elections. The party has planned demonstrations across the country, including Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab.
On January 30, PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Junaid Akbar confirmed a public rally in Swabi. The party has also applied for permission to hold a gathering at Minar-e-Pakistan in Lahore.
Security Concerns and Cricket Match Clash
Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, criticized PTI for scheduling protests on the day of an international match in Lahore. He accused the party of harming Pakistan’s global image.
“They always create chaos when foreign dignitaries visit,” Naqvi remarked.
Dialogue Between PTI and Government Fails
The negotiations between PTI and the government have collapsed. PTI refused to attend the fourth round of talks on January 28, citing the government’s failure to establish a judicial commission on the May 9 riots.
PTI leader Haleem Adil Sheikh accused the government of stealing the party’s mandate. He claimed that PTI had won 174 out of 266 National Assembly seats based on Form 45 but was reduced to 93 through Form 47 manipulation.
Karachi Rally and Economic Criticism
PTI Karachi President Raja Azhar announced a grand rally in the city on February 8. He vowed that the public would protest against “the stolen mandate.”
PTI leader Khurrum Sher Zaman criticized the government’s economic policies. He questioned why inflation had not decreased despite claims of economic stability. He also demanded the release of all political workers.
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Reforms in Passport Offices and FIA
Naqvi announced major reforms in the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra), passport offices, and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). He said a new Passport Authority would be created to improve services and reduce delays.
Fourteen major cities will get new Nadra centers to speed up passport issuance. The government is also cracking down on illegal immigration and human smuggling networks.
Pakistan-US Relations
Naqvi dismissed negative reports about Pakistan-US ties. He said relations remain strong and are improving. A recent visit by a Pakistani delegation to the US yielded positive results, he added.
When asked if the US would intervene for Imran Khan, Naqvi avoided the question but stressed that Pakistan had good diplomatic ties with Washington.
Action Against Human Smuggling
The government is focusing on Faisalabad and Gujrat, where many youth attempt to migrate illegally. Naqvi warned that strict action would be taken against human smugglers and fake travel documents.
He assured the public that reforms were underway and promised good news soon regarding these efforts.
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