Entry ban for Afghan citizens without NOC from 2025: Naqvi

• Afghan citizens without an NOC will be required to leave Islamabad after December 31: Home Minister
• He denies claims of multiple deaths, asking PTI to name even one person who died

ISLAMABAD: Federal Home Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday announced that from December 31, no Afghan national will be allowed to stay in Islamabad without a No Objection Certificate (NOC).

In a conversation with the media during a visit to the site of the ongoing construction of the underpass at F-8, Naqvi confirmed the government’s position on regulating the issue of foreigners staying in the capital.

“After December 31, any Afghan citizen without an NOC will have to leave Islamabad,” Naqvi said, emphasizing the government’s increased vigilance towards foreigners in the city.

Addressing the aftermath of the recent protests, Naqvi rejected claims circulating on social media about multiple deaths.

“There is a lot of noise about bodies in hospitals, but no one gives details. I asked the protesters to provide the name of at least one person who died. Their embarrassment is visible when they try to name anyone,” he said.

The Home Minister stressed that a comprehensive report on the protests would soon be submitted to the High Court.

Meanwhile, Islamabad appears to be returning to normality after the chaos caused by the protests. “The city is going according to plan, work on the F-9 road and the underpass is fast,” Naqvi added.

After the visit, the Minister and DG Rangers Punjab Major General Mohammad Atif bin Akram visited PIMS Hospital to meet security personnel injured during the protests.

Officials visited injured Rangers, FC and police officers, praising their bravery.

“You are the heroes of the nation,” Naqvi said, praising their courage in thwarting the violent protests. “We are proud of you for maintaining patience and composure in the face of adversity.”

The minister also assured that injured personnel would receive the best possible medical treatment.

Over 900 PTI workers arrested in three days: IG Islamabad

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi announced on Wednesday that a total of 954 protesters were arrested in the last three days, of which 610 were on Tuesday.

The arrests were part of law enforcement’s response to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protests in the capital.

Addressing a press conference along with the Islamabad Chief Commissioner, IGP Rizvi informed that over 200 vehicles and 39 different types of weapons, including Kalashnikovs, 12-barreled pistols and other firearms, were seized by protesters during the demonstration.

“We have video footage showing armed protesters with masks on their faces,” Rizvi said, emphasizing the seriousness of the riots.

Additionally, the IGP revealed that of the 71 people reported injured during the protests, 52 were law enforcement officers. He further explained that protesters used large fans to blow tear gas fumes back towards security forces, which escalated the confrontation.

He stressed that all roads to and from Islamabad are open and routine activities are continuing without disruption. “No one will be able to question the power of the state,” he assured.

Once the containers are removed, patrolling and security checks will continue at key locations. “Foreigners will not be allowed to stay in Islamabad without security clearance,” Muhammad Ali Randhawa reiterated.

He also noted that protesters attacked journalists, prompting authorities to move media from the area. “Fuel pumps have been temporarily turned off for fear they could be set on fire.”