PM Shehbaz lauds police, security forces for preventing ‘attack’ on capital

Naqvi briefs PM that major highways had been reopened to traffic and situation was ‘rapidly returning to normal’

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday for a briefing on the latest security situation in Islamabad. The meeting focused on the recent efforts to maintain law and order in the capital, particularly in light of the attempted ‘attack’ by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) activists.

Prime Minister Shehbaz commended the Islamabad police for their "outstanding role" in thwarting the attempted assault on the city. "Islamabad police, along with the Pakistan Army, Punjab police, and Rangers, played a crucial role in maintaining peace," the prime minister said.

During the meeting, the prime minister paid tribute to Constable Hameed Shah, who was martyred while protecting citizens. "May Allah elevate the ranks of the martyr. The nation will always remember this sacrifice," he stated. Shehbaz Sharif also expressed solidarity with the constable’s family and directed authorities to ensure their complete care.

"The safety of Islamabad’s residents and the protection of their lives and property have been ensured," the prime minister affirmed. He added that the situation in the capital is "rapidly returning to normal" and that economic development and prosperity remain the government’s top priorities.

Addressing political tensions, Prime Minister Shehbaz criticised opposition elements, stating, "Our political opponents cannot tolerate Pakistan’s improving economy. The world recognises our economic policies, but our adversaries want to hinder the country’s progress."

The prime minister made it clear that any attempts to destabilise Pakistan’s economy through illegal means would be thwarted. "Upcoming international events in Pakistan will proceed as planned," he assured, highlighting that security arrangements are being handled with the highest standards of excellence.

In his briefing, the interior minister reported that major highways had been reopened to traffic and that the situation was "rapidly returning to normal." Naqvi also updated the prime minister on the repatriation of Pakistani prisoners from Sri Lanka, noting that 56 prisoners would return home today.

Federal Minister for Privatisation Abdul Aleem Khan has generously offered to cover all expenses related to the prisoners' return, a gesture praised by both the interior minister and the prime minister.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his appreciation for the efforts of both the interior minister and the privatisation minister in ensuring the safe return of these Pakistani nationals.

The law and order situation remained tense on the second consecutive day in the federal capital on Saturday as despite stringent security measures, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf workers managed to reach the protest venue 'D Chowk' by taking advantage of heavy rain which subsided the intensity of the tear gas lobbed by the security forces.

The symbol of PTI's political struggle – D-Chowk - continued to be the battleground between the PTI and law enforcement agencies while Chief Minister Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur remained confined to the KP House for hours on the pretext of holding talks with the authorities concerned amid contradictory reports of his arrest.

Nevertheless, despite the deployment of Pakistan Army in the capital, government ministers' warnings, imposition of Section 144 and closure of roads, the PTI protesters managed to converge at various sites, including briefly at the edge D-Chowk – located right in front of Parliament in Red Zone.

This not only chided the ministers' repeated claims that no one would be allowed to come anywhere near the promised protest site but turned the capital's Blue Area into a battleground as several instances of stone-pelting and tear gas exchanges between the law enforcers and protestors were witnessed there throughout the day. Surprisingly, apart from the K-P CM, the main leadership of PTI wasn't leading the rally from the front or seen at protest site.

The clashes between the law enforcers and PTI supporters were reported from different areas of the twin cities throughout the day amid fiery statements from government ministers and PTI leaders against each other. Meanwhile, the roads remained blocked with containers and cellular services suspended, resulting in increasing difficulties of the citizens manifolds.

The government side claimed that PTI was trying to sabotage the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit by trying to hold a rally at D-Chowk and vowed that it wouldn't be allowed to do so. In contrast, the PTI leadership refuted it by saying that holding peaceful protest was party's right, especially, when it only wanted to come for a day and had no plan to hold a sit-in at D-Chowk.

In a statement, the inspector general of the Punjab Police noted that direct gunfire was aimed at the police. He commended the police for their efforts in preventing any unpleasant incidents. He affirmed that the authorities would not allow any disruption of peace, assuring that Pakistan remains safe and will continue to do so.

Till midnight, the situation stayed volatile in the capital as the pitched battles between the two sides continued to take place as the roads remained closed and cellular networks shut for over 48 hours. Late night, it was reported that police and other law enforcers had managed to disperse protesters from near D-Chowk and surrounding areas.