Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has said the federal government will ensure the protection of the Federal Capital at all costs if any attempt is made to attack Islamabad.

He was talking to the media in Islamabad today.

The Minister said the government is making efforts to avoid exercising the last option, but it cannot leave the capital at the mercy of those who attempt to march on Islamabad every few months.

He said if an attempt is made to attack the capital in collusion with the Taliban, the government has not only the right but also the responsibility to defend Islamabad.

Referring to the ongoing protests, he said political considerations and efforts to ensure political survival are the main factors behind the escalation of the situation.

Talking about the failure of negotiations, Khawaja Asif said attempts to create political instability or harm the security and integrity of Pakistan are not acceptable.

He said members of the negotiating team and other political figures were seeking a solution acceptable to all stakeholders and in the wider national interest.

He stressed that any solution should be acceptable not only to the parties concerned but also to the entire country.

The Minister, however, said some political elements are primarily seeking to protect their positions and benefit from resources provided by the federal government or available within the province.