Govt heaps scorn on PTI for 'sabotaging SCO'

Defence minister says Imran's loyalty lies solely in maintaining authority rather than serving Pakistan's interests

SIALKOT/ ISLAMABAD:

The PML-N leadership on Saturday condemned the opposition PTI protests, describing the timing as unfortunate and accusing the party of attempting to sabotage Pakistan's diplomatic efforts to host the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit on October 15-16.

Earlier this month, PTI founder and former premier Imran Khan issued a call for nationwide protests, urging the supporters to stand up for the judiciary's independence by joining rallies in Mianwali, Bahawalpur, Faisalabad, and a major power show at D-Chowk in Islamabad.

In response, the government imposed Section 144 for three days in Rawalpindi, Attock, and Sargodha, banning political rallies, sit-ins, and gatherings. Section 144 was also enforced in Lahore for six days, besides various other districts.

On Saturday, the federal capital saw ongoing clashes between police and PTI activists at D-Chowk. After heavy rainfall reduced the impact of tear gas, a large number of protesters advanced towards D-Chowk, prompting police to detain several activists from Jinnah Avenue.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar censured the PTI protests, describing the timing as unfortunate and accusing the party of attempting to sabotage Pakistan's diplomatic efforts to host the SCO summit.

He emphasized the need for unity and responsibility, arguing that the demonstrations were designed to sow chaos and stressing the importance of prioritising national stability over partisan political interests.

Referring to PTI leader Barrister Saif's interview with a private TV channel on Friday, where he reportedly said they would invite Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar to attend the party's protest, Dar stated that "inviting a foreign minister to a political protest was an attempt to damage the country's reputation for political gains".

Separately, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif criticised the PTI, claiming that their desire for power had overshadowed their commitment to the nation.

Addressing a news conference in Sialkot, the minister remarked that the loyalty of Imran Khan lied solely in maintaining authority rather than serving Pakistan's interests.

He said the PTI's pattern of behaviour had persisted since 2014 when their protests delayed the Chinese President's visit and the initiation of the CPEC.

He remarked that PTI leaders were displaying similar actions ahead of the upcoming SCO summit, accusing them of attempting to undermine Pakistan's international standing.

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz stated that the PTI should be dealt with in the same way as terrorists.

"Whatever I have always said has now been proven to the world. The PTI is not, nor has it ever been, a political party, and it never will be. It is a terrorist organisation that repeatedly attacks its own country," Maryam said in a statement on the social media.

"The state should treat them (PTI) the same way it treats terrorists; otherwise, it will be too late."

The Punjab chief minister alleged that the former ruling party's sole aim was to incite violence in the country and that they deserved no mercy.

Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar warned that no troublemakers would be allowed near Islamabad's D-Chowk, particularly during the SCO summit. He stressed that any attempt to disrupt the conference will be dealt with strictly.

Speaking at a news conference in the federal capital, Tarar highlighted the importance of the SCO summit, noting that several heads of state would be visiting Pakistan.