ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday labeled the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) as a “group of terrorists” following recent violent confrontations between the party’s supporters and law enforcement in Islamabad. He instructed authorities to register cases against those involved in the unrest.
The prime minister made these remarks during a high-level meeting addressing the nation’s law and order situation.
“This is not a political party; it is fitna [mischief] and a group of terrorists,” Shehbaz asserted, criticizing the PTI for its role in the clashes.
He accused the PTI-led Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government of misusing state resources to launch what he called an “onslaught” on the federal capital during the party’s recent three-day protest.
Referring to past actions, the prime minister claimed this was the “fourth invasion” of Islamabad by PTI, recalling the 126-day sit-in in 2014, which he said caused immense damage to Pakistan’s economy and reputation. “No one imagined such evil ambitions before 2014,” he remarked, adding that the sit-in disrupted the country’s affairs and led to the cancellation of a crucial visit by the Chinese president.
Shehbaz also accused PTI of attempting to disrupt Islamabad ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit on October 15. Although the PTI had initially called for nationwide protests on that date, the demonstrations were later canceled following assurances regarding Imran Khan’s treatment in custody.
Regarding the recent clashes in Islamabad, the prime minister condemned the violence, stating: “They [PTI supporters] martyred a policeman and four Rangers personnel, while dozens of law enforcers suffered bullet injuries.”
He called for strict measures against the rioters, emphasizing, “Should we hand Pakistan over to this terrorist party? We must act firmly to protect our nation.”
Shehbaz further highlighted the economic toll of such protests, estimating losses of Rs190 billion per day due to PTI’s disruptive actions. He reiterated his government’s resolve to prevent the PTI from destabilizing Pakistan, vowing to “break these hands” that attempt to destroy the country.
