The premier denounces opposition protests, citing economic and security threats, while assuring foolproof security for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Islamabad.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, addressing a session of the federal cabinet in Islamabad on October 8, 2024, vowed not to allow the opposition party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), founded by Imran Khan, to disrupt the country as it did during its 2014 sit-in.
The premier firmly stated, “We will not tolerate this at all. This is my promise to the nation.”
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has long blamed PTI for harming Pakistan’s economy, citing the 126-day dharna (sit-in) in 2014 that led to the cancellation of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Islamabad.
Now, as PTI organizes fresh protests in the federal capital, concerns arise over the security implications ahead of the SCO summit scheduled for October 15-16, which will see participation from top officials of China, Russia, India, and other member nations.
Prime Minister Shehbaz highlighted the importance of the summit, set to take place in Islamabad’s Red Zone, and the potential security threat posed by PTI’s protests.
“I will not allow the repeat of 2014, the conspiracy that took place. We will not allow this, we will not tolerate this at all,” he asserted.
PTI claims its protests are for the “independence of the judiciary” and the release of its founder Imran Khan.
Party leaders have emphasized that they will continue their demonstrations unless directed otherwise by the former prime minister.
Criticizing PTI’s actions, PM Shehbaz accused the party of creating chaos and division.
He pointed out that during its tenure, PTI neither recovered looted money nor curbed corruption, despite these being key promises in its election manifesto.
Revisiting the events of 2014, the prime minister stated that PTI’s sit-in had severely impacted Pakistan’s economy and international relations, particularly with China.
“The Chinese president’s visit dates were fixed, but the PTI went ahead with its sit-in, disregarding the economy and global image,” he said, expressing disappointment over the canceled visit.
PM Shehbaz also assured his cabinet that after meeting with the Chinese ambassador to Pakistan, he promised full security measures for Chinese nationals following a deadly explosion at Karachi’s international airport that killed two Chinese citizens.
The attack was claimed by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).
“Indeed, the Chinese [officials] are saddened. However, we have assured them that we have made complete security arrangements for the upcoming SCO summit,” he stated.
Emphasizing that Pakistan’s economy is on the right path, he noted the sacrifices made by military personnel and the recent incidents targeting Chinese nationals.
He alleged that both internal and external enemies were working together to destabilize Pakistan. “We all know who finances them,” he added, without specifying further.
Despite these challenges, he expressed confidence that “God willing, Pakistan will move forward.”
PM Shehbaz also accused PTI of executing “nefarious plans” and claimed that Afghan nationals were involved in the party’s protests.
He suggested that PTI fears Pakistan’s progress as it would weaken their support base. “They are worried that if the country excels, then there will be no one who supports them,” he stressed.