The government slammed Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) on Saturday for its call to protest on October 15. Officials labeled PTI’s planned protest as “terrorism” and compared it to the Taliban, accusing the party of undermining Pakistan’s progress. The protest coincides with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, a key event for the country.
Federal ministers condemned PTI’s actions
Federal ministers, including Ahsan Iqbal, Khawaja Asif, and Azma Bokhari, as well as PML-N Senator Talal Chaudhry, strongly condemned PTI’s actions. They described the protest as a deliberate attempt to sabotage the summit and harm the country’s international reputation.
At a press conference, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal criticized the timing of the protest, emphasizing the significance of the SCO summit. He said, “This is a proud moment for Pakistan.” He explained that hosting the summit is a major honor and highlighted the importance of the Chinese Prime Minister’s extended visit.
Iqbal drew a parallel between terrorism in Karachi and PTI’s protest plans in Islamabad. Referring to a recent suicide attack near Karachi airport, he said, “There is no doubt that terrorism in Karachi and political terrorism protest calls are similar.” According to him, the same forces were behind both attacks, aiming to destabilize Pakistan.
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The damage caused by sit-in
Moreover, Iqbal reminded PTI supporters of the damage caused by the 2014 dharna (sit-in). He claimed that the protest had delayed the Chinese president’s visit and hindered the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). “Now, as we enter CPEC Phase II, PTI is again trying to derail our progress,” he warned.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif echoed these concerns. He accused PTI of prioritizing its leader’s personal interests over national progress. In a separate address, Asif said PTI’s protest aimed to undermine Pakistan’s standing on the global stage.
“We will not be blackmailed,” Asif asserted, adding that the government would protect the country’s interests. He further stated that the full force of the state would be used against anyone attempting to spread chaos under the guise of protests.
War against the state
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari also took a harsh stance against PTI. She likened the party to the Taliban, accusing it of waging a war against the state. Bokhari stated that PTI would be treated as an enemy and called for national unity to eliminate the chaos caused by PTI’s actions.
Bokhari also accused PTI of holding its parliamentarians hostage in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. She claimed this was in response to the government’s proposed constitutional package. Additionally, she condemned PTI’s alleged plans for violent attacks during the SCO summit.
PML-N Senator Talal Chaudhry further described PTI’s protest as a conspiracy against the state. Speaking in Faisalabad, he warned that no Pakistani would support the party’s “anti-national stance.”
In response to the looming protest, the Punjab government imposed Section 144 in five more districts. This measure bans all political gatherings and protests in these areas for three days, starting October 12. The decision was made to ensure security during the SCO summit, which will see 200 foreign delegations arriving in Pakistan.
As tensions rise, the government remains firm in its stance against PTI’s protest. Officials continue to denounce the planned demonstration, emphasizing the need for stability as Pakistan hosts the crucial SCO summit.
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