ISLAMABAD: Protests erupted as scattered groups of PTI supporters gathered near the capital on Monday night. Amid the unrest, the government and PTI reportedly opened a ‘back-channel’ for negotiations. In a late-night press conference, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirmed talks with the opposition. He revealed the government offered Sangjani, on Islamabad’s outskirts, as a protest venue.
PTI leaders met their jailed leader, Imran Khan, in a specially arranged meeting to present the government’s proposals. The meeting’s outcome remains unclear as PTI leaders left without speaking to the media. Naqvi urged journalists to await a response from the party, hinting at ongoing dialogue.
Venue Negotiations
Earlier, sources claimed that discussions between PTI and the government focused on finding a peaceful protest venue. Both sides avoided confirming these talks explicitly, but Naqvi indicated a response was awaited.
He later suggested PTI might have agreed in principle but awaited formal approval from their leadership.
Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, after meeting Imran Khan in prison, reported that the PTI founder refused to withdraw the protest call.
Meanwhile, PTI leaders reportedly sought Bushra Bibi’s consent to shift the main caravan’s destination from Islamabad to Sangjani.
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‘Extreme Steps’ Warned
Naqvi issued a stern warning to protesters, vowing to take “extreme measures” against violence. He threatened curfews and the use of Article 245, enabling the deployment of armed forces.
The minister confirmed he was part of a negotiation team, alongside senior leaders Ayaz Sadiq, Ameer Muqam, and Rana Sanaullah. However, Naqvi denied meeting PTI representatives at the Ministers’ Enclave.
One key demand was to delay the protesters’ entry into Islamabad until after the Belarusian president’s visit.
Despite the apparent negotiations, PTI leader Raoof Hasan denied talks with the government. He stated their protesters had reached Islamabad’s outskirts and would decide on the next steps by Tuesday morning.
PM Criticizes Protesters
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the protest and blamed PTI for the death of Constable Mubashir. In a statement, he vowed to arrest those responsible and praised the martyred officer’s service.
The PM accused protesters of violent acts, linking the clashes to past unrest, such as the May 9 riots. He praised law enforcement for maintaining order and directed hospitals to provide injured police with the best care.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar criticized PTI for promoting “chaos and anarchy” instead of supporting the government’s development agenda. He said the protests disrupted progress as the economy gained momentum and attracted foreign investment.
US Appeals for Restraint
The United States called for calm on both sides. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller urged protesters to remain peaceful and the government to respect human rights while maintaining order.
“Both sides must adhere to Pakistan’s laws and constitution,” Miller said during a press briefing on Monday.
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