Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged the nation to make difficult decisions to end the politics of agitation and bring stability to Pakistan. In his address to the federal cabinet on Wednesday, he stressed the importance of choosing between saving the country or allowing protests, particularly sit-ins, to disrupt national progress. He acknowledged the need for decisive action to protect the country’s future, emphasizing the path of development and prosperity.
Sharif condemned the recent violent protests, especially the assault on Islamabad. He commended the coordinated efforts of law enforcement agencies, including the military, police, and intelligence agencies, for quelling the unrest. He noted the substantial economic losses caused by the protests, which disrupted daily life in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, resulting in factory closures, business shutdowns, and severe disruptions to the economy.
Reflecting on past protests, including PTI’s 2014 sit-in, the prime minister pointed out the damage caused to Pakistan’s international reputation and its economic interests. He highlighted the cancellation of the Chinese president’s visit in 2014 and voiced concerns over the potential impact of protests on foreign dignitaries, such as the Belarusian president, who was due to visit in January.
Sharif also spoke about the ongoing security issues in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where a resurgence of terrorism has led to numerous casualties. He expressed frustration that local authorities had failed to resolve issues in Parachinar and Kurram, while simultaneously using government resources to fuel protests in Islamabad. He labeled the protest movement as “sedition,” stressing that it must be ended for the good of the country.
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi dismissed reports of mass casualties during the protests as “propaganda.” He challenged the PTI to provide evidence of deaths or injuries and confirmed that life had returned to normal across Pakistan. Naqvi also announced new regulations requiring Afghan nationals in Islamabad to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NoC) by December 31.
In contrast, PTI officials, including Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar, accused the government of spreading misinformation and condemned the violence directed at PTI activists. Tarar denied any government involvement in firing at protestors and claimed the PTI’s leadership had fled to avoid arrest, while the party continued to spread false narratives of killings.
The PTI, led by Imran Khan, has vowed to continue its protests until its demands are met, despite the crackdown on demonstrators. PTI’s leaders, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, condemned the violence and pledged to compensate the families of those allegedly killed during the protests.
In the face of growing tension, both sides are firm in their resolve, with the government asserting its authority over the protests while the PTI seeks justice for those it claims were killed or injured.
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