No negotiations with PTI, Naqvi responds to Imran Khan's protest offer

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan's claim that he received an offer from the government to postpone his planned Islamabad protest was dismissed by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday.

Speaking to the media after attending a hearing at the Islamabad High Court (IHC), Naqvi denied any negotiations with the former prime minister and insisted that no talks were taking place under threats.

"The PTI has not engaged in any negotiations with the government," Naqvi said. "No talks are taking place as negotiations are not held under threats." 

Imran Khan had earlier stated that senior PTI leaders, including Barrister Gohar and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mahmood Khan, conveyed an offer to him to postpone the protest, which is scheduled for November 24.

According to Khan, the offer suggested that "everything will be alright" if he agreed to delay the protest. However, Naqvi refuted these claims, stating, "No negotiations are taking place with the PTI founder."

The interior minister was attending a court hearing in relation to a petition filed by the President of the Traders Association, Asad Aziz, who complained about the impact of PTI's protests on business activities.

During the hearing, Naqvi told the court that the Belarusian president, accompanied by a 65-member delegation, would be visiting Pakistan on November 24.

He underscored the need to secure the Red Zone during the visit, noting that protests on such dates were strategically timed to disrupt important diplomatic events.

"The nation should decide on the protests," Naqvi said. "Why do they hold protests on specific dates, especially when foreign delegations are visiting?"

Naqvi issued a stern warning to PTI supporters, stating that they would not be allowed to gather at Islamabad's D-Chowk.

"Protest in your province as you wish, but you will not be allowed to come to Islamabad and protest," he said, adding that authorities would detain violators as they did in previous demonstrations.

In response to the court's query about road blockages and internet shutdowns during protests, Naqvi reiterated his opposition to such measures.

"I am completely against placing containers," he said, distancing himself from the practice of restricting access to key areas.

The situation remains tense as the PTI prepares for its planned protest, while the government braces for possible disruptions linked to both the political unrest and the upcoming diplomatic visit.