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LAHORE, September 21, 2026: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has warned the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) against proceeding with its planned September 27 march on Islamabad.
Naqvi said the government was consulting the Law Ministry on legal options for Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), including the possibility of Governor’s Rule. He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would take the final decision.
The minister spoke at a press conference in Lahore on Monday.
He said the government would not allow the capital to remain blocked for several days because of the protest.
The PTI has announced the march to demand the release of party founder Imran Khan.
Naqvi referred to a series of attacks in K-P over the past week.
Six Pakistan Army personnel were killed during an exchange of fire with militants in Hangu on Sunday, according to the military’s account.
The minister also referred to the recent attack near the Kohat Police Lines.
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He questioned the decision to hold a march towards Islamabad while security forces continue operations in K-P.
Naqvi also criticised PTI leaders for not attending the funerals of security personnel killed in recent attacks.
He urged the party to reconsider its protest plans.
Naqvi said the government would enforce the Islamabad High Court’s ruling concerning the planned protest.
The IHC has said activities that infringe citizens’ fundamental rights can violate the Constitution. The court also addressed the right to protest alongside the public’s right to free movement.
The government has previously said political parties cannot occupy roads, highways or public buildings during protests.
Naqvi said authorities would not allow roads in Islamabad to remain blocked for 10 or 20 days.
He also warned that authorities would leave no legal loopholes if the march goes ahead.
K-P Information Minister Shafi Jan rejected Naqvi’s warning.
He said PTI would continue to exercise what it considers its constitutional and democratic rights.
Shafi Jan also criticised the use of martyrs’ funerals in political arguments.
He questioned the government’s security preparations in Islamabad.
The PTI has maintained that its September 27 protest will press for political demands, including the release of Imran Khan.
PTI K-P President Junaid Akbar has also called on the government not to use force against protesters. He said PTI workers would approach Islamabad through several routes.
The dispute has also raised concerns about the economic impact of prolonged protests.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said protests and road closures could cost the economy around Rs120 billion per day. He cited research findings for the estimate.
The government has also warned against any attempt to disrupt traffic or public services in the capital.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said earlier that authorities would not allow violent groups to enter Islamabad.
The government has urged PTI to reconsider the march and pursue political dialogue instead.
PTI leaders continue to prepare for the planned march.
The party has also received support from opposition groups that describe the protest as a constitutional and democratic effort.
Meanwhile, authorities have increased security measures around Islamabad and entry points from K-P.
The government and PTI remain at odds over the protest.
The September 27 march is expected to remain a major political and security issue in the days ahead.
[…] Naqvi Warns PTI Over September 27 Islamabad March […]