Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry on Monday said Islamabad would not be shut down despite talk of political marches in September, adding that the administration had been directed to ensure uninterrupted movement of citizens.
Speaking to the media at Parliament House, Tariq Fazal said the issue of a “smart lockdown” was neither discussed in a meeting chaired by the deputy prime minister nor was any such plan within his knowledge.
He said a separate meeting on petroleum products had been held with the deputy prime minister.
The minister said the government was providing targeted subsidies for three-wheelers and vehicles of up to 800cc for three months.
He added that public representatives were being assigned responsibilities to guide people regarding the relief measures.
Turning to the political situation, Tariq Fazal said Islamabad was not going to be closed, although political marches were being discussed for September.
He accused PTI of repeatedly holding violent and disorderly protests and said the government would not allow any political party to occupy public spaces.
Referring to a recent Islamabad High Court ruling, he said the administration had been directed to ensure free and unhindered movement for citizens.
“The administration is performing its duty. Those who repeatedly attempt to storm Islamabad are the ones who need to reflect,” he said.
Tariq Fazal alleged that PTI described its demonstrations as peaceful while its protests often turned violent.
He questioned whether political change could be achieved merely by marching on Islamabad.
“If they believe they are coming to change the system, will their mere arrival actually bring about that change?” he asked.
He also said that demanding the prime minister’s resignation through street pressure would not automatically lead to his departure.
“If they ring the prime minister’s doorbell and demand his resignation, will he simply resign?” the minister said.
Tariq Fazal said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had repeatedly invited political opponents to dialogue and argued that political issues should be addressed through engagement rather than confrontation.
Commenting on the scenes involving the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister in Lahore, he described them as a display of political immaturity and said the dignity of a constitutional office should be maintained.
“You are the chief minister of a province; sometimes you sit in a vehicle, and at other times you sit on the footpath,” he said.
Tariq Fazal added that all chief ministers deserved respect and urged holders of public office to uphold the dignity of their positions.
Reporter: Rozina Ali