Mohsin Naqvi says protests in Islamabad require prior permission, warns against unauthorised rallies

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has said that protests in Islamabad will require prior permission, clarifying that demonstrations involving unruly crowds will not be allowed.

Speaking during a visit to the Kashmir Chowk underpass project site, the minister said the government had a clear policy on the matter and would show no leniency in enforcing it.

He said anyone wishing to organise a protest must obtain prior permission, adding that unauthorised demonstrations would not be tolerated.

Regarding development projects in the capital, Naqvi said 80 per cent of the work on the Kashmir Chowk underpass had been completed. He added that the project would facilitate commuters travelling to Murree and Muzaffarabad.

The minister said the master plan for Islamabad had been prepared and expressed confidence that people would welcome it once its details were made public.

Discussing delays in the underpass project, Naqvi said difficulties had arisen after a government department demolished a road without permission, subsequently filled it back in and left the site. He added that the authorities had faced challenges in completing the work through contractors for the past two months.

Regarding F-9 Park, the minister clarified that no construction was underway there. He said lights would be installed and additional trees planted to improve the park.

Naqvi also said that encroached land in Islamabad would be recovered. He acknowledged that the relevant department had made a mistake by demolishing the road without permission.

The interior minister added that he had spent the day discussing political matters and would now turn his attention to issues concerning Islamabad.