Traders, analysts criticise PTI's protest plan, calling it 'self-destructive'

Traders and analysts on Sunday voiced “grave concerns” over Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) decision to protest ahead of the highly anticipated Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit on October 15, urging the party’s leadership to reconsider its move.

PTI has announced a nationwide protest call, asking party leaders and workers to converge in Islamabad on October 15, while suspending its demonstrations in Punjab. 

The party is also demanding immediate access for its leaders and family members to visit PTI founder Imran Khan, who is currently incarcerated in Adiala Jail. The government had earlier imposed a temporary ban on prison visits at Adiala Jail until October 18 due to heightened security concerns related to the SCO summit.

Speaking to Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV), several analysts criticised PTI's protest plan during the summit, labelling it as “self-destructive” given the risk of economic instability and potential damage to Pakistan’s international reputation. 

Islamabad's business community echoed these sentiments, emphasising that the SCO conference is a significant opportunity to boost regional trade. They expressed hope that PTI would reconsider their protest for the sake of the country’s national interest.

Economist Dr Noor Fatima warned, “This move will undermine Pakistan’s credibility in the international community. We need to focus on economic diplomacy, not political posturing.”

Another analyst, Mirza Ikhtiyar Baig, described the summit as a crucial platform for strengthening Pakistan’s ties with regional countries. “PTI’s call may jeopardise our chances of benefiting from this platform,” he said. “The SCO conference is critical for Pakistan’s economic revival, and PTI’s protest will only create uncertainty, deterring foreign investors.”

Business leaders urged PTI to prioritise economic stability over political divisiveness. They stressed that this is not the time for political confrontation but rather for focusing on enhancing trade and economic strength.

Muhammad Fahim, president of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, expressed concern over the protest’s impact on businesses. “PTI’s call has created uncertainty among traders. We are worried about the effect on our businesses,” he said.

Jameel Paracha, a trader from the Karachi Wholesale Market, stated that this is not the right time for political disputes but for economic stability. “We urge PTI to reconsider their decision. Our businesses can’t afford more instability.”

Khawaja Shahbaz, president of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, also stressed the importance of maintaining stability, while Ayesha Khurram, president of the Islamabad Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said, “We need to prioritise economic growth over political interests.”

One trader from Islamabad highlighted the need for Pakistan to project its economic potential, not its political rifts. “The country needs to showcase its economic potential, not its political divisions. We must put economic interests first,” he said.

A trader in Lahore added, “The SCO conference is crucial for regional trade facilitation. PTI’s protest could disrupt discussions and hinder progress.”