SLAMABAD/MANSEHRA: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized the urgency of making bold decisions to eliminate agitation politics and ensure stability in Pakistan. Addressing the federal cabinet on Wednesday, he stated, “We must decide whether to save Pakistan or allow sit-ins to continue disrupting the country.”
The prime minister warned against chaos in the capital, pointing out that security agencies successfully dispersed protesters in Islamabad the previous night. He praised the army chief, intelligence agencies, and police forces for maintaining law and order.
Shehbaz highlighted the economic damage caused by the unrest, noting that businesses in Islamabad and Rawalpindi suffered, daily wagers struggled, and the stock market plunged over 4,000 points, costing the economy Rs190 billion daily. He linked the unrest to the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, warning that such actions could harm Pakistan’s international image.
PM Criticizes Past and Present Protests
Recalling the PTI’s 2014 sit-in, Shehbaz blamed it for derailing a significant visit by the Chinese president. He accused the PTI of inciting violence to disrupt Pakistan’s progress and tarnish its reputation. Referring to the May 9 riots, the premier argued that stricter judicial actions then could have prevented the current unrest.
Shehbaz also addressed the rising terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), where clashes in Kurram left many dead. He accused the KP government of using public resources to escalate the unrest instead of resolving local issues.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi Denounces PTI Claims
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi rejected claims of casualties during the protests, labeling them propaganda. He challenged the PTI to provide evidence of deaths and denied that law enforcement officers carried firearms during the protests.
Naqvi revealed that Afghan nationals involved in the unrest will require clearance to remain in Islamabad after December 31. He stated life in Pakistan had returned to normal, with internet and road access fully restored.
Arrests and Weapons Recovered
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar accused PTI protesters of carrying weapons and attacking security personnel. He stated that law enforcement arrested 900 individuals, including Afghan nationals, recovering firearms and grenades. Tarar rejected claims of government violence, instead accusing PTI leaders of abandoning their workers to evade arrest. He alleged that PTI incited violence to undermine the Belarusian president’s planned visit.
PTI Denounces Government Actions
The PTI condemned the government’s handling of the protests, alleging the killing of peaceful demonstrators. The party demanded a judicial investigation into what it called a “massacre.” KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur vowed to continue the sit-in until PTI Chairman Imran Khan instructs otherwise.
Gandapur accused law enforcement of assassination attempts on him and former first lady Bushra Bibi. He promised compensation for affected families and legal assistance for arrested workers.
Law Enforcement Highlights Terrorism Under Guise of Protests
Islamabad’s Chief Commissioner and Inspector General of Police described the unrest as terrorism disguised as protests. They reported damage to public property worth billions, including attacks on green belts, Metro stations, and CCTV cameras.
Officials revealed that protesters used weapons, slingshots, and industrial equipment to counter law enforcement. They emphasized a zero-tolerance policy for acts of violence and promised accountability for all involved.
Hospitals Deny Protest Deaths
Federal Government Polyclinic and PIMS hospitals refuted reports of fatalities, confirming only minor injuries treated during the clashes. They urged the public to ignore misinformation spread on social media.
The government and law enforcement have reiterated their commitment to restoring order, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring that protests do not harm Pakistan’s economy or stability.
