TAXILA: Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Ageel Malik has said the government will not allow anyone to exploit the constitutional right to protest as a cover for violence, disruption or damage to public property, warning that those attempting to take the law into their own hands will face legal action.
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the minister said peaceful protest was a constitutional right, but it could not be used as a pretext to disturb public order or undermine the law.
Referring to the proposed PTI protest, he said the government was taking precautionary measures to maintain law and order, including placing additional containers and barriers at sensitive points. He claimed that the government had received information suggesting that trained elements might be brought in under the cover of the protest.Mr Malik said any attempt to enter Islamabad from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for unlawful activities would be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law. He also referred to the Islamabad High Court’s decision, saying the protection of public resources and the maintenance of law and order were essential responsibilities of the state. He made it clear that no one would be permitted to use a march towards Islamabad to create disorder, while reiterating that lawful and peaceful political activity remained protected.
On the question of creating new provinces, the minister said the issue was of national importance and required broad political agreement rather than a hurried decision. He said the matter was expected to come under discussion in the National Assembly next month. Correspondent