ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed concern over the growing disruption caused by violent protests and political unrest, warning that such actions could undermine the country’s stability and progress. He emphasized that tough decisions need to be made in the face of these challenges, highlighting the choice between building a prosperous future or continuing to deal with ongoing protests and chaos.
In a speech to the Federal Cabinet, PM Sharif recalled the recent disturbances in Islamabad, where protests severely disrupted daily life and business. He praised the security forces for their swift and effective response, which helped end the protests, with full cooperation from the military.
“Once again, chaos was unleashed in Islamabad, causing a sharp decline in business activities,” said the Prime Minister. “The stock market, which was at 99,300 points just days ago, saw a drop of 4,000 points due to these protests. People have faced significant hardships as a result.”
PM Sharif pointed out that such disruptive tactics were not a feature of Pakistani politics before 2014, when the country first witnessed destructive sit-ins and protests that paralyzed the capital. He recalled the 2014 protests, which lasted 126 days, and the impact they had on national affairs, including the cancellation of a planned visit by the Chinese President.
The Prime Minister also noted the violence during the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, where a police officer was killed in clashes with protesters. He emphasized that economic growth and national prosperity should remain the country’s primary focus.
