As Islamabad prepares to host a significant regional summit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has firmly stated that the coalition government will not allow Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to replicate the 2014 protest that disrupted the capital.
The ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has consistently criticized the PTI for damaging the country’s economy, especially after Chinese President Xi Jinping canceled his visit to Pakistan due to the PTI’s 126-day sit-in. With the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit scheduled for October 15 and 16 in Islamabad’s Red Zone, the government is determined to avoid any disruption as major global leaders from China, Russia, India, and other member states are set to attend. Any ongoing protests could pose a serious security risk.
“I won’t permit a rehash of 2014 or the trick that unfurled then. We won’t endure it. I guarantee this to the country,” PM Shehbaz pronounced during a bureau meeting on Tuesday.
PTI is presently organizing fights in Islamabad, professing to be battling for the “freedom of the legal executive” and requesting the arrival of its chief, Imran Khan. PTI authority has promised not to withdraw except if taught by Khan himself.
The prime minister criticized PTI for sowing chaos and division, stating that the party failed to fulfill its promises during its tenure, neither repatriating stolen funds nor curbing corruption as it had pledged during elections.
Enhanced Security for SCO Summit
PM Shehbaz, recalling the 2014 protests, lamented how the Chinese president’s visit was canceled due to the sit-in, an event that significantly damaged Pakistan’s economy and reputation. Despite the government’s efforts to persuade the PTI to postpone their demonstration, the protests proceeded, leading to the diplomatic setback.
The prime minister reassured the cabinet that security for the upcoming SCO summit would be robust, especially after meeting with the Chinese ambassador. This follows the tragic death of two Chinese nationals in a blast near Karachi’s international airport, for which the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility.
“We have provided full security assurances to the Chinese government,” said PM Shehbaz, emphasizing the safety of foreign nationals in the country amid rising security concerns.
He further emphasized that Pakistan’s economy is on the path to recovery, praising the sacrifices made by the military to protect the nation, even as Chinese nationals continue to face threats in the country.
“Pakistan’s internal and external enemies are working together to destabilize us. We know exactly who is funding them, but with God’s help, Pakistan will progress,” he asserted.
PM Shehbaz also condemned PTI’s actions as “nefarious,” claiming it has become clear that Afghan nationals were involved in recent protests. He concluded by saying that PTI fears Pakistan’s progress, as it would diminish the party’s support base.
