The government on Monday decided to deal sternly with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protesters during its call for a countrywide shutdown on December 18.
“We have very patiently dealt with [PTI] protests and sit-ins so far, but now the time has come to differentiate between peaceful democratic protest and civil disobedience,” the interior minister said in an official statement, after a meeting with Jamaat-e-Islami chief Sirajul Haq.
“There is no room for any protest, which blocks roads and closes business, in any democratic country across the world. No one is allowed to paralyse lives of ordinary citizens, anywhere,” an official statement quoted Nisar as saying.
The minister further said that political leaders should not just advocate the spirit of democracy and law in speeches, but it must reflect in their actions as well. All political parties have to sit together in order to achieve the political stability in the country, he added.
According to sources, the interior minister, following directions by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, requested the JI chief to convince Imran Khan to call off his countrywide protest on December 18.
“If any particular party has some reservations, then they have the right to plead their case before a court of law. PML-N is available for any support and cooperation, which results into country’s progression and helps in peace,” said Nisar.
Haq assured the interior minister that in his upcoming meeting with the PTI Chief, likely be held on Wednesday, he will try to convince him to cancel his protests for better political stability. He added that his party will not be part of the PTI’s protest on December 18.