ISLAMABAD: With hours left in the expected arrival of Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief Dr Tahirul Qadri in the country, Minister for Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on Sunday night warned against any attempts to disrupt peace through protest march on the federal capital.
“There shouldn’t be any doubts … no one will be allowed to march on Islamabad in the disguise of rallies or sit-ins,” he was quoted as saying in a statement issued by the interior ministry.
“Despite the fact that holding a political rally is everyone’s right, those who claim that they would topple the democratic government illegally will be brought to books,” said the minister.
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Nisar further said that the government had no issues with Qadri arriving in Lahore, however, his decision of landing in the capital was beyond comprehension.
Due to severe security threats, it was the government’s responsibility to take the PAT chief to Lahore safely, said the statement.
The interior minister questioned the timing of Tahirul Qadri’s latest endeavour as all security forces of the country were busy in the war against militants.
“This is beyond comprehension as to why Mr Tahirul Qadri wants to disrupt at such a critical juncture?” he said.
Chaudhry Nisar reiterated that there must be no doubts in anyone’s mind that a march on Islamabad would not be allowed tomorrow or in the future.
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The preacher, Tahirul Qadri, is a divisive figure for making headlines last year when he led mass rallies against the government. He is usually based in Canada.
His sudden ascent to prominence has prompted speculation that ‘anti-democratic forces’ may be using him as a proxy in their efforts to sideline the elected government.
In a Twitter post issued on the eve of his comeback, Qadri said: “I am coming to support our Pak(istani) army in their fight against militants.”
Using the hashtag #RiseUpWithDrQadri, another post said: “Now it's the duty of the poor people of Pakistan to come out and bring a revolution.”
Reflecting the government's nervousness about his return, authorities have banned public gatherings in the city of Rawalpindi where the main international airport is located. Qadri is due to land at 7am local time on Monday.
Television channels also reported that the authorities might block mobile phone services in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, a tactic usually employed to prevent militants from staging attacks or protesters from coordinating their actions.