PM says will not allow PTI to repeat 2014 dharna in Islamabad ahead of SCO summit
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has pledged that he will not permit the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), founded by Imran Khan, to repeat the actions it took during its 2014 sit-in.
The ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has repeatedly accused the PTI of undermining Pakistan’s economy, citing that Chinese President Xi Jinping canceled his visit to Islamabad due to the prolonged 126-day dharna.
The PTI protests in Islamabad occurs when preparations for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit were underway. A protest during this time could pose significant security challenges.
“I will not allow a repeat of the events of 2014, the conspiracy that occurred then. We will not tolerate this under any circumstances. This is my pledge to the nation,” the Prime Minister told his cabinet on Tuesday.
The PTI has stated that its protests aim to advocate for the “independence of the judiciary” and the release of its leader, Imran Khan. Party officials have asserted that they will not withdraw unless directed by the former Prime Minister.
In his critique of the opposition party, PM Shehbaz asserted that the PTI has only contributed to chaos and division in the country. He claimed that the party did not succeed in bringing financial resources back to the nation during its time in power and failed to eliminate corruption, despite these promises being central to its election platform.
Reflecting on the events of 2014, he noted that although the Chinese president’s visit was arranged, the PTI chose to continue its sit-in, disregarding the repercussions for the economy and Pakistan’s global standing.
PM Shehbaz said the Government of Pakistan made every effort, but PTI declined to postpone their sit-in. The Prime Minister recounted that he was taken aback by the delay of the Chinese President’s visit.
Additionally, he labeled the PTI’s plans as “nefarious” and stated that it has been conclusively shown that Afghan nationals have been involved in the party’s protests.
PTI is worried that if the country prospers, there will be no one left to support them, PM Shehbaz asserted.
