Gory Tale of 2014-like Sit-in Won’t Be Allowed to Repeat: PM 

News Desk 

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday strongly condemned the recent protest by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), likening it to the 2014 sit-in staged by the party, and vowed that such a “gory tale” would not be allowed to repeat at any cost.

Referring to the prolonged 2014-15 PTI sit-in, which continued even during the planned visit of the Chinese President to Pakistan, the prime minister emphasized the detrimental impact such protests have on the country’s image and economy.

 “We will not tolerate a repeat of those incidents. This is my promise; I will not let it happen,” the premier said while addressing a federal cabinet meeting.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned a recent attack near Karachi airport, where two Chinese engineers were killed and another injured, despite the government’s efforts to ensure their security.

He mentioned his telephonic conversation with the Chinese ambassador and his visit to the Chinese embassy, where he reassured his commitment to the safety of Chinese nationals in Pakistan.

Turning to the PTI protest, the prime minister criticized the party for hurling baseless allegations against the government at a time when crucial diplomatic engagements were underway. 

He noted that the Chinese Premier was set to visit Pakistan and that a Saudi delegation was also scheduled, with agreements worth $2 billion expected to be signed. “Creating chaos in such a critical moment is a disservice to the nation,” he remarked.

During the meeting, the cabinet offered Fateha for the security personnel martyred in recent terrorist incidents. 

The prime minister expressed gratitude to China, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE for their continued support, particularly in securing the IMF loan facility.

Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the government’s recent achievements, including the reduction of inflation from 32 percent to 6.9 percent, a surge in exports, remittances, and IT sector growth, and a bullish stock exchange.

He warned that attempts to derail these efforts for political gain would be a grave conspiracy against the country.

The prime minister also discussed his government’s reform agenda, which includes expanding the tax base, digitizing the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), and reducing oil prices for the fifth consecutive time. 

He noted the Rs50 billion relief package for protected power consumers and the Punjab government’s Rs55 billion relief initiative.

Criticizing the KP chief minister for leading the PTI protest, the prime minister revealed that Afghan nationals and government officials were part of the protest, which involved aerial firing and resulted in the martyrdom of an Islamabad Police official.

“A peaceful and secure environment is essential to attract investment,” he added.

Shehbaz Sharif concluded by thanking the IMF chief for supporting Pakistan’s loan facility and acknowledging the reforms introduced by the current government.

He also paid tribute to the martyrs of recent terrorist attacks, stating that the government was aware of the foreign funding sources behind these acts of terrorism.