ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said that the state will not tolerate any parallel judicial system and will block the national identity cards (CNICs) of individuals associated with the banned Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM).
During a press conference in Islamabad, Naqvi criticized the PTM for disrespecting state institutions and law enforcement. While he expressed no objections to traditional Jirgas, he made it clear that the establishment of parallel courts would not be allowed.
Reiterating the government’s ban on the PTM, Naqvi stated that gathering large numbers of people does not qualify as a legitimate Jirga. He emphasized that the government is open to dialogue with those advocating for rights, but anyone who engages with the PTM will face consequences, including ID card blocking. He reiterated that the government will not permit armed resistance.
Furthermore, Naqvi pointed out that certain political parties had allied with the PTM, asserting that acts of sedition would not be tolerated and that anyone insulting the state or acting against it would face repercussions.
He also revealed that a documentary about the PTM was produced by an Indian company, reinforcing the government’s stance on the ban. Naqvi warned of a robust crackdown on PTM facilitators, emphasizing that while meetings are acceptable, support for the group is not.
