ISLAMABAD: After the law enforcers drove the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protesters out from Islamabad, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir provided full support to the government to handle situation during PTI protest and urged the need for taking tough decisions to rid the country of politics of agitation and ensure stability.
"We have to decide whether we save Pakistan or allow sit-ins to take place," the prime minister said while addressing the federal cabinet meeting on Wednesday.
The prime minister remarked that no one had previously imagined such an assault on Islamabad and emphasized the need for tough, collective decisions to prevent future unrest. “We have two paths to choose from, and it is clear we must pursue development and prosperity,” he said, adding that authorities must ensure that rioters are not given another opportunity to disrupt order.
Discussing the economic impact of the protests, PM Shehbaz lamented the widespread shutdown of businesses and complaints from workers and shopkeepers. He pointed out that the stock exchange, which had surpassed 99,000 points, suffered a 4,000-point plunge due to the riots, causing a daily economic loss of Rs190 billion.
Recalling PTI's 2014 sit-in, the prime minister highlighted that the unrest delayed the Chinese president's visit to Pakistan, which was crucial for bilateral relations. He accused the rioters of attempting similar chaos ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, creating uncertainty among international guests about attending.
PM Shehbaz also mentioned the upcoming visit of the Belarusian president, during which both countries are expected to sign agreements in January, underscoring the importance of maintaining stability for diplomatic and economic progress.
Reflecting on the judicial system, the premier criticized lenient treatment of those involved in the May 9 incidents, stating, “If strict punishments had been given, we would not be facing this situation today.” He called for deliberate action to determine the nation’s future direction.
Highlighting the deteriorating security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Shehbaz noted the rise in terrorism and the martyrdom of dozens in the Kurram clashes. He accused the provincial government of neglecting issues like Parachinar and Kurram, instead using state resources to attack Islamabad.
Terming the unrest as sedition rather than a political movement, PM Shehbaz declared, “This is a conspiracy that must be stopped at all costs.” He concluded with a firm warning, stating, “We will break the hand that seeks to harm Pakistan.”
