Government Plans Response to PTI Protest as Interior Minister Focuses on Force Reform and Law

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The Interior Ministry is weighing its options as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) prepares for a scheduled protest on August 5. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that a government strategy will be finalized once PTI completes its organizational efforts, signaling a cautious wait-and-watch approach. At the same time, the minister emphasized sweeping reforms within internal security forces and reaffirmed the government’s stance against illegal foreign residents, particularly Afghan nationals residing without legal documentation.

During a press briefing at the Ministry of Interior, Naqvi outlined a plan to modernize the Federal Constabulary (FC), a 24,000-strong paramilitary force primarily responsible for internal security and riot control. According to the minister, the FC will be restructured and trained along the lines of U.S. federal forces, aiming to boost its professionalism and efficiency. Salaries have been revised to bring them on par with other national security agencies, and the long-overdue revision of the Shuhadah Package, the compensation for fallen personnel, has reportedly been addressed, after it was revealed that FC members received significantly less than their counterparts in other institutions.

The minister reiterated that the force size will remain unchanged, but operational standards and benefits will see marked improvement. These announcements appear to be part of a broader narrative attempting to project a stronger, more centralized internal security apparatus under current leadership.

Naqvi avoided commenting on international political developments, including speculation about a supposed discussion involving former U.S. President Donald Trump and Pakistan’s military leadership concerning PTI founder Imran Khan. The minister dismissed a prior controversial statement, where he suggested even a Station House Officer (SHO) could handle terrorism in Balochistan, as a figurative expression, not a literal assessment of the volatile security landscape in the province.

In addition to law enforcement reform, Naqvi revealed an impending crackdown on 133 unauthorized housing societies in Islamabad. These unregulated developments, often linked to corruption and poor urban planning, have long escaped proper oversight. His announcement signals a possible attempt to reassert state control over real estate in the capital, though whether this results in meaningful enforcement remains to be seen.

Significantly, the minister took a hard stance on undocumented foreigners. He stated that no extensions will be granted to Afghans staying illegally in Pakistan, a continuation of recent expulsions under the current administration. The comments reflect a broader trend of tightening border control, though critics argue that these policies have lacked humanitarian consideration, especially regarding refugees fleeing conflict.

As tensions remain high ahead of the planned PTI demonstration, the federal government appears to be positioning itself as firm yet deliberate. However, critics remain skeptical of both the motives and methods behind these recent initiatives, particularly in a political environment still reeling from controversial elections and questions about democratic legitimacy.

While the minister credited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir with playing a role in easing regional tensions between Iran and Israel, such claims have not been independently verified and may be intended more for domestic optics than diplomatic substance.