PM Shehbaz calls for strict measures after PTI protest rattled economy

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed for taking strict steps after the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf put off its protest in Islamabad.

Addressing the federal Cabinet on Wednesday, the prime minister said that tough decisions are required to rid the country of the dharna politics and bring stability.”

His remarks come after PTI’s much-hyped “do-or-die” protest that saw clashes between the party’s supporters and the law enforcers, closure of roads and educational institutions, was postponed in the wee hours of Tuesday following crackdown.

Shehbaz said that the businesses were closed while workers and shopkeepers were complaining.

“Our stock exchange, which had crossed 99,000, faced a plunge of over 4,000 points yesterday due to the riots,” he regretted. “The economy is facing a loss of Rs190 billion daily.”

Shehbaz then stressed for taking tough decisions to rid the country of politics of agitation and ensure stability.

“We have to decide whether we save Pakistan or allow sit-ins to take place,” the prime minister concluded.

Today, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has vowed to continue Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s peaceful sit-in until further orders from imprisoned party founder Imran Khan.

The KP Chief Minister accused the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N)-led government of fascism and oppression over the past two and a half years.

He said PTI is a peaceful party dedicated to the rule of law, protection, and the promotion of true democracy for the younger generation.

“We are peacefully demanding our legitimate rights, but instead of being heard, we face repression,” said Gandapur told reporters.

He expressed frustration over the lack of justice from the courts and the disregard for the sanctity of the parliament.

“Whenever we talk about holding a meeting or protesting, we are not allowed,” he added.

“Fascism was evident when the government first used force against our peaceful gathering,” he said.

Gandapur reiterated that PTI’s protest would continue despite these challenges, noting that while the number of participants may fluctuate, the resolve to continue the sit-in remains strong.

He said ongoing sit-in have become a symbol of PTI’s defiance and commitment to their cause, drawing both support and criticism from various political quarters.