Federal Minister Mohsin Naqvi claims a ‘hidden hand’ is obstructing PTI’s attempts at dialogue.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) under a ‘hidden hand’, says Federal Minister Mohsin Naqvi, which is prohibiting any attempt of dialogue. Speaking at Islamabad’s D-Chowk, he said that while PTI’s leadership expresses a preference for peaceful talks and avoids violence, an unseen force seems to hold significant power within the party.
I don’t know when this hidden hand will take over the party,” Naqvi commented. “Its intentions are altogether different, and PTI doesn’t realize it is being taken for a ride.
Addressing reporters, Naqvi said that the question is under what circumstances were people fired upon. “Responding to bullets with bullets is easy; I have instructed the police to handle matters as they see fit, and we fully support them,” he added. According to him, there are several convoys including those from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and around 2,000 trained persons are part of them, whose background checkups are underway.
According to Naqvi, PTI seems headed by a shadow authority that has the upper hand in overriding decisions made by official leadership. He mentioned the Sangjani protest as an example. There, plans set forward by PTI leadership were apparently overruled by this covert influence. “This shadow leadership works against genuine negotiations and is not serving Pakistan’s interest,” he warned.
He emphasized the fact that safeguarding foreign delegations and retaining order in the Red Zone are still very much on the cards, even though a breakthrough has been achieved. Naqvi also made some pointed accusations against the PTI for raising the stakes by sending a massive quantity of tear gas and weapons, which is said to have resulted in gunfire at lawmen. “We have been appealing to them not to cause harm to Pakistan, but this unseen hand controls them and performs against Pakistan’s interests,” he said.
When asked about Bushra Bibi’s apparent influence, Naqvi dismissed the idea that she alone could disrupt institutions, instead reiterating that the “hidden hand” seeks to tarnish Pakistan’s reputation. “If their agenda was legitimate, they wouldn’t act this way,” he said.
Earlier, Naqvi visited D-Chowk and Shaheed-e-Millat Chowk to take a round of security arrangements and motivate security personnel present there. Still carrying on shelling by protesters, he met police, Rangers, and FC officers personally, saluting their valour and commitment. The officers rejoiced with patriotic chanting of “Pakistan Zindabad.
You are all soldiers of Pakistan,” Naqvi told them, urging strict adherence to the law in dealing with agitators. He was accompanied by top officials, including the Islamabad Police IG, Chief Commissioner, and Deputy Commissioner, during his visit.
