Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, addressing a federal cabinet meeting on Wednesday, declared that his government would take tough measures to prevent future disruptions and safeguard Pakistan’s stability.
He emphasized the strong unity between the civilian leadership and the armed forces, stating, "We and the army are one soul in two forms. The army chief and secret agencies cooperated fully with the government."
Referring to recent protests, he criticized those responsible for creating unrest, accusing them of risking Pakistan’s stability for personal gains. "The hand that seeks to sacrifice Pakistan will be broken," the prime minister asserted, vowing to eliminate sedition and sabotage from politics. "We will have to take tough decisions now."
"There is no room for sedition and sabotage in politics. This is a conspiracy, and it will have to be ended at all costs," the PM stressed.
اسلام آباد: وزیراعظم شہباز شریف کا وفاقی کابینہ اجلاس میں اہم بیان https://t.co/c8EWvT8sx3
— PMLN (@pmln_org) November 27, 2024
The prime minister condemned the recent protests in Islamabad, which he described as "not a movement but sabotage." He noted the protests caused severe disruptions, with businesses halting operations and normal life coming to a standstill. The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSE), which had recently crossed a historic 99,000-point mark, plunged by 4,000 points in a single day due to the chaos.
“A decision must be made: improve the economy or face sit-ins,” the prime minister remarked, highlighting the economic toll of such disruptions. He further stated that mischievous elements causing these disturbances were not working in Pakistan’s interests.
Shehbaz Sharif praised the armed forces and law enforcement agencies for successfully ending the Islamabad protests through a well-coordinated strategy. He commended their efforts in restoring peace and preventing the "heinous plan to attack Islamabad."
He also criticized the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government for neglecting its responsibilities in areas like Parachinar and Kurram, where terrorism and violence have escalated. Instead, the KP administration diverted its focus to participating in the protests, the prime minister claimed.
The prime minister expressed frustration over the delayed legal action against those involved in the May 9 riots. "If the courts had punished the culprits on time, we would not have seen this day," he said. Stressing the need for accountability, he called for ensuring that such individuals are not allowed to disrupt the country again.
Shehbaz Sharif concluded his address by reiterating his government’s commitment to Pakistan’s development. "Rebellion and anarchy have been quelled by the grace of Allah," he stated, emphasizing the importance of making decisions that prioritize economic recovery and national stability.
He warned that the government would no longer tolerate actions that harm the nation, declaring, "We will not allow Pakistan to be sacrificed under any circumstances."
