Shakir Mehmood Awan has sharply criticized the government and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, that Naqvi held positions of authority during several major episodes of political unrest and that his role in those events warrants scrutiny.
Awan referred to the events surrounding May 9, the November 26 crackdown, and the Muridke incident, arguing that Naqvi’s positions—as Punjab chief minister and later interior minister—make questions about government responsibility unavoidable. He also expressed concern about Naqvi’s recent televised remarks as September 27 approaches, describing them as threatening.
The government’s actions and Naqvi’s rhetoric reflect a troubling pattern: protecting power through intimidation rather than upholding democratic rights. If peaceful dissent is met with threats and force, the government risks being seen as enabling authoritarianism—not defending the public.