Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar has said that a secure capital is essential for a secure Pakistan, stressing that protecting the lives and property of citizens is the government’s primary responsibility.
Addressing a ceremony at the Police Lines Headquarters in Islamabad, Tarar said repeated attempts had been made to “storm” the capital and maintained that political objectives could not be achieved through force.
The law minister said the government was not avoiding negotiations, but stressed that any dialogue process must be serious.
He said the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had repeatedly demanded the release of its founder, Imran Khan, but the government had consistently maintained that the matter was judicial in nature. He further said the PTI had access to judicial forums and that the government could not resolve matters that were before the courts.
“The country is governed by the Constitution,” he said, adding that protests and actions that are not in accordance with the Constitution could not be used to achieve political objectives.
Medical examination conducted
Addressing concerns surrounding Imran Khan’s health, Tarar said the Supreme Court had ordered a medical examination of the PTI founder and that the examination had been conducted. He said Imran Khan’s sister was present and had stated that he was in good health.
Tarar maintained that the Supreme Court had ordered a medical check-up, not the transfer of the PTI founder to a hospital.
“The government’s position is that Imran Khan has already undergone a medical examination,” he said, adding that the government had implemented the Supreme Court’s decision.
The minister stressed that health was a fundamental right. He also referred to a statement attributed to Imran Khan’s sister, saying she had stated, “Alhamdulillah,” that he was fine in every respect.
Courts remain forum for Imran Khan’s release
Tarar also maintained that the government’s role in a criminal case concludes after sentencing, while judicial forums remain available to the PTI. He reiterated that Imran Khan’s release was a central condition being put forward by the party for negotiations.
“For the PTI, the very basis of negotiations is the release of their leader,” Tarar said.
He added that the courts were now the appropriate forum for any matter concerning the PTI founder’s release.
The federal law minister said the PTI’s past conduct was sufficient, in his view, to assess its approach, and referred to repeated attempts to storm Islamabad. He said that on two occasions, the government had been aware of impending trouble and had informed the courts.
He referred specifically to the events of May 2022 and November 2024, saying the circumstances surrounding those episodes were evident to everyone.
The minister asked citizens to consider whether the actions taken by the PTI during those episodes were justified. He added that if the PTI’s actions were considered justified, then, in his argument, the government should also step aside.
Citizen safety is a priority
Tarar said the government’s primary responsibility was to protect the lives and property of citizens. He described measures taken by the Islamabad administration to ensure public safety as appropriate, particularly amid concerns surrounding protests and security in the capital.
The minister reiterated that political disagreements should be addressed through constitutional and judicial channels rather than force.
During his address, Tarar also highlighted the importance of forensic analysis in the fight against terrorism. He said forensic evidence was of great importance in counterterrorism efforts and stressed the need for prosecutors to undergo training so they could effectively handle cases involving such evidence.
Tarar said strengthening investigative and prosecutorial capabilities was necessary to support the wider fight against terrorism.
Govt remains open to serious talks
The law minister reiterated that the government was not opposed to negotiations with the PTI if the talks were conducted seriously. He said the government had previously provided the PTI with repeated opportunities for negotiations.
At the same time, Tarar maintained that demands concerning Imran Khan’s release could not be settled by the government because judicial forums were available to the PTI.
He again stressed that the country’s affairs must be conducted within the Constitution and that the protection of citizens remained the government’s foremost responsibility.
