Karachi terrorism and PTI's 'political terrorism' are the same: Ahsan Iqbal

Minister notes PTI protests cancelled Chinese president's 2014 visit; CPEC was first target after Imran assumed power

Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has stated that terrorism in Karachi and the 'political terrorism' of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party are similar.

Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Ahsan Iqbal noted that international leaders will be attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) conference on October 15 and 16, with heads of nine countries visiting Pakistan, which he described as a significant honour for the nation.

He highlighted that during this crucial time, PTI has called for protests at D-Chowk.

He pointed out that in 2014, PTI had previously managed to cancel the visit of the Chinese president through protests, and they have also attempted to derail the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.

He claimed that once in power, the first target of PTI was CPEC, as they spread false allegations, leading Chinese investment to be redirected to other countries.

The Planning Minister remarked that now, with the launch of CPEC Phase 2, there is chaos within PTI once again.

He questioned whether the country could bear this disruption as the journey of economic recovery begins.

He urged those in PTI to prove their innocence and not act against the state, mentioning that although they have also faced imprisonment, they have never fought against the state.

Ahsan Iqbal concluded by asserting that if there is any civilian constitutional violator in Pakistan, it is solely Imran Khan.

Notably, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, which Pakistan will chair, is set to take place in Islamabad on October 16 and 17. The event will see the participation of various heads of state, including Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

Established in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, the SCO is a prominent political, economic, and security alliance in Eurasia.

Over the years, the organisation has expanded to include India, Pakistan, and Iran as full members, while Afghanistan, Belarus, and Mongolia hold observer status.

Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar is scheduled to visit Pakistan for the SCO summit, marking his first trip to the country on October 15.

This visit will be significant as it will be the first by an Indian foreign minister to Pakistan in nearly nine years, with Sushma Swaraj being the last to make the trip in December 2015.