The government made an effort for a peaceful solution, but the 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 firing on police. said the government was making sincere efforts for a peaceful solution but their leadership opted for violence, Express News reported.

Speaking at a media briefing in Islamabad on Thursday, Naqvi stressed that while violence had occurred during the protest, it was only directed at those who had engaged in violent acts. He also defended the actions of the police in clearing the roads and praised the forces involved in the operation.

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

Naqvi further clarified the situation regarding the protests and explained that negotiations had been going on until the last minute. He claimed that TLP leaders were repeatedly asked to leave without any decision.

“Negotiations continued till 2.30 am. 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 for Palestine or to secure the release of certain individuals.

He also expressed concern over the increasing frequency of large-scale protests in the country. He warned that while peaceful protests were allowed, violent protests involving weapons and property damage would not be tolerated. He also revealed footage of protesters using guns to seize vehicles under threat.

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

“There seems to be a coordinated effort behind these protests. We are witnessing a pattern in the last few months where every 15 days a major protest is being staged,” he added. He linked these protests to larger, albeit indirect, forces, though he stopped short of naming them.

Despite the violence, Naqvi reiterated that peaceful protests would continue to be respected, but the government would not allow any illegal actions. The government remains steadfast in its stance on law and 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 interior minister Talal Chaudhry.

The Minister of Information calls the strategy of violence to destabilize the country’s law and order

Attaullah Tarar condemned the violence, terming it a deliberate strategy aimed at destabilizing the country’s law and order under the guise of protests.

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

He added: “Under no circumstances will we allow arson or destruction of peace. Over 100 police officers were affected by violence during the protests.”

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

He pointed out the contrast between the protests in Pakistan and those held globally in solidarity with Palestine, where no violence or damage to property had been reported.

“In Pakistan, violent protesters, armed with sophisticated weapons, took to the streets, attacked police officers and damaged property,” he added.