Pressing matters: PM cancels Davos trip

“Our nation is united against extremism and terrorism,” says PM.

ISLAMABAD: Hours after the deadly attack in Bannu, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif cancelled his scheduled trip to Davos, Switzerland, fending off criticism over his itinerant third term in office.

The prime minister was expected to participate in the four-day World Economic Forum summit which will commence on January 22.

In a statement issued from Islamabad, the prime minister said the whole nation is united against violence.

According to foreign office officials, the Swiss government and the Pakistani mission have been informed about the premier’s decision to opt out of the meeting.

“Our nation is united against extremism and terrorism,” said the prime minister.

The move was announced after Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan criticised the prime minister’s foreign visits and denounced the government for failing to control the growing terrorist threat.

Talking to Express News, Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif cancelled his visit to Switzerland to express his solidarity with Pakistanis.

He underscored, however, that the planned visit was very important for the economic development of the country.

“The prime minister planned to meet various Swiss leaders, diplomats and bankers... the visit would provide the ‘oxygen’ for improving life in Pakistan,” he said, adding that recent tragedies – including the killings of Express staffers and armed forces personnel – had led to the cancellation of the visit.

The minister said the federal cabinet would meet today (Monday) and be briefed by Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar over the prevailing situation and the new security policy. After the briefing, cabinet members will compile their suggestions and proposals.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 20^th, 2014.