Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Nasir Hussain Shah on Monday called for restraint and understanding amid tensions over Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)'s planned protest in Islamabad, urging both the opposition party and government to show flexibility. Given the current situation, we should act with understanding and mutual respect, Shah said. He noted that terrorism was also taking place in the country and bringing workers together for a protest under such circumstances would put them in a difficult situation. Whatever movement Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has launched has always been violent, Shah added.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Barrister Ali Zafar questioned the use of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) law to restrict political activity. There is no justification for using the 3-MPO to stop political activities, Zafar said, adding that senators and members of the National Assembly were being arrested while parliament remained silent.
Speaking about the planned protest, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said Islamabad could not be handed over to a mob regardless of whether a court order had been issued. He said the government had provided Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan with medical treatment in accordance with a court order and had presented its position before the court regarding his possible transfer to hospital. Chaudhry also rejected Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)'s claims about the number of arrests, saying the figure was not as high as being portrayed by the party.
Referring to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) KP President Junaid Akbar's statement about turning Islamabad into ruins, Chaudhry said the remark had effectively helped the government. Whatever little room there was, there will now be absolutely zero tolerance for allowing them to come to Islamabad, he said. Chaudhry further alleged that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders and lawmakers did not become targets during the party's marches and that ordinary workers were instead used as fodder.