Islamabad:Minister of State for Law and Justice, Barrister Aqeel Malik, on Thursday stated differing statements from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders at the federal and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa levels indicated a lack of coordination within the party, raising questions about the nature of its announced protest.
Speaking to a private TV channel, Aqeel Malik said some members of the PTI’s current leadership were advocating dialogue, while the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister was speaking in favour of protests through aggressive statements and aggravating the situation.
He said the government would not allow any activity that could undermine law and order, adding that authorities were committed to maintaining peace and would deal with any violations in accordance with the law. He also referred to constitutional options.
He also stressed that the government had never ruled out the option of negotiations, saying that PTI leaders had repeatedly walked away from the dialogue process.
Aqeel Malik alleged that the PTI had previously been involved in protests that caused disruption for residents and said the government would protect the rights and safety of citizens in the federal capital, which is home to both local and international residents.
Answering a question, he expressed concern that the possibility of extremist groups becoming involved in the protest could exploit the situation and create additional law-and-order challenges that had also be witnessed in past.