PM urges nation to choose 'stability over chaos mongering'

Says protests and long marches are obstacles to development

ISLAMABAD:

As political tensions rise in the capital ahead of the PTI's November 24 protests, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday urged the nation and key stakeholders to prioritize stability and development over disruptive political activities like sit-ins and long marches.

Speaking at the apex committee meeting on the National Action Plan (NAP), the prime minister emphasized the urgent need to focus on peace and economic progress amidst ongoing political and security challenges, especially in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P).

The premier said all stakeholders must reflect on whether disruptive actions like sit-ins serve the nation's interests or if efforts should be directed toward progress and stability. He warned against measures that could hinder Pakistan's recovery.

The PTI is gearing up to march on Islamabad on November 24, threatening to intensify political tensions to force the government to release former prime minister Imran Khan.

Indirectly referring to the PTI's 2014 marathon sit-in in Islamabad, the PM said sit-ins were staged whenever any key development was taking place in the country.

Reiterating his appeal for collaboration, PM Shehbaz said protests and long marches are obstacles to development, adding all the stakeholders needed to sit together and deliberate on the way forward. He urged all segments of society to unite for Pakistan's progress and prosperity.

Emphasizing economic stability and political unity, PM Shehbaz highlighted the government's achievements, saying the economy is gradually stabilizing due to collective efforts by the federation, provinces, and institutions, including the Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir.

"Economic and political stability are interlinked," he said, underscoring the need for unity to sustain progress. The premier expressed gratitude to provincial governments for their cooperation in securing the $7 billion IMF bailout package, which, he said, has paved the way for significant economic gains.

PM Shehbaz shared positive indicators, such as the historic rise in the stock exchange, inflation dropping to single digits and the policy rate reducing from 22% to 15%. Additionally, he said, record growth in IT exports and remittances reflects improving investor confidence.

PM Shehbaz stressed the importance of addressing tax evasion and increasing the tax base to reduce the nation's debt burden. He urged the business community to invest locally to attract foreign investments, adding, "this IMF package must be our last."

While focusing on development, Shehbaz reaffirmed the government's resolve to eliminate terrorism, which he described as Pakistan's greatest challenge.

Referring to the recent surge in attacks in Balochistan and the K-P, he said, "We must eradicate terrorism from its roots for peace and progress."

He commended the sacrifices of citizens and security forces in defeating terrorism during ex-premier Nawaz Sharif's tenure and vowed to replicate that success.

The PM condemned the Balochistan Liberation Army's (BLA) recent violence, calling for stringent measures against such elements, highlighting that national unity was key to overcoming such threats.