ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday vowed not to allow Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters to enter Islamabad as part of their long march, accusing the party and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government of failing to cooperate with the federal government in tackling terrorism, while maintaining that the government remained ready for dialogue.
Addressing a federal cabinet meeting, the prime minister questioned whether the PTI-led KP government would continue to remain a silent spectator as terrorist attacks increased in the province, saying the law would take its course and he would not allow a repeat of what he described as attempts to disrupt the country.
“They have now planned an attack on Islamabad,” Shehbaz said, referring to the PTI’s long march towards the federal capital.
He questioned whether the KP government intended to repeat the same course of action and said the march would not be allowed to enter Islamabad.
The prime minister said the federal government, along with the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), had sent a delegation to engage with the PTI leadership, indicating that the government had made efforts to resolve political differences through talks.
He stressed that the KP government should stand alongside the federal government in combating terrorism but accused it of remaining silent despite repeated attacks in the province.
Shehbaz questions KP’s counterterrorism efforts
The prime minister said terrorism had increased in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over the past two years, with politicians and civilians losing their lives in attacks.
He said the armed forces were eliminating terrorists and called on the provincial government to provide the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) with the resources needed to tackle militancy.
Shehbaz said around Rs800 billion was being transferred to KP, arguing that the funds should have helped strengthen the provincial police and the CTD.
However, he said the police and counterterrorism institutions had not been strengthened sufficiently despite continued terrorist attacks.
“I do not want to go into where this money went,” he said, questioning the provincial government’s handling of the resources.
The prime minister said terrorist attacks had continued in the province while the KP government had failed to speak out adequately against them.
He urged the provincial administration to work with the federal government and security forces, stressing that counterterrorism efforts required collective action rather than political confrontation.
The remarks came amid heightened tensions between the federal government and the PTI-led provincial administration over the long march and counterterrorism policy. The federal government has been considering extraordinary measures in KP amid concerns over security and governance, while the PTI has opposed the possible imposition of emergency rule or governor’s rule in the province.
Government ready for dialogue with PTI
Shehbaz said the government had sought engagement with the opposition to resolve differences, including through a delegation comprising government and PPP representatives.
He maintained that the provincial government should cooperate with the Centre on security matters rather than allow political differences to impede efforts against terrorism.
The prime minister’s remarks followed unsuccessful negotiations between the government and PTI over the party’s demands and its proposed march to Islamabad. Earlier, he had urged the opposition to call off the protest and return to the negotiating table.
The government has maintained that political issues should be resolved through dialogue but has also warned that it would take legal action against those violating the law. PTI, meanwhile, has continued its protest campaign, demanding the release of its jailed founder, Imran Khan, and access to him for his family and legal team.
PM highlights economic progress, IMF engagement
Turning to the economy, Shehbaz said Pakistan had reached a staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), describing it as an important development in the country’s efforts to achieve economic stability.
He said his meeting with the IMF managing director in New York had been positive and that the official had acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts to stabilise its economy.
The prime minister said the government’s economic reforms had received recognition and credited teamwork for efforts to overcome the country’s challenges and advance economic growth.
He said Pakistan was gradually moving towards development and prosperity, adding that the government’s efforts to address economic difficulties were continuing.
Shehbaz also praised the implementation of the fuel subsidy initiative, saying its success reflected collective efforts.
Pakistan’s diplomatic role and regional tensions
The prime minister said Pakistan’s diplomacy had been appreciated internationally and highlighted the country’s efforts to promote peace amid renewed tensions in the Middle East.
He praised Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for his role in diplomatic efforts to promote peace, while commending Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and other members of the government team for their contributions.
Shehbaz said Pakistan wanted peace and stability across the region and emphasised the importance of maintaining constructive relations with neighbouring and friendly countries.
He described Saudi Arabia as a close brotherly country with which Pakistan shared historic relations, while also highlighting the longstanding ties between Islamabad and Beijing.
He referred to Iran as a neighbouring brotherly country, saying Pakistan’s efforts were aimed at ensuring regional peace.
The prime minister strongly condemned attacks on Saudi Arabia, saying there was no justification for aggression against the kingdom. He also referred to the bilateral and trilateral defence arrangements involving Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
He said the Muslim world remained united in protecting the sanctity and security of the holy mosques in Makkah and Madinah.
IT parks to expand opportunities for youth
The prime minister also highlighted the completion of an information technology (IT) park in Islamabad, describing it as an important initiative to improve the skills and professional capabilities of young people.
He said the government planned to establish IT parks in other major cities to expand access to technology-related education and employment opportunities.
Shehbaz said the initiatives would enable hundreds of thousands of young people to acquire IT skills, helping them participate in the digital economy and contribute to national development.
Prime Minister Sharif said that all matters had been proceeding smoothly, but some people did not want the country’s affairs to run properly.
The prime minister said he had met Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Saturday.
PAK SOUCH MEDIA GROUP
Daily Pak Souch Newspaper Sukkur – Daily Pak Special Newspaper Karachi – Daily Pak Today Newspaper Karachi – Daily Pak Jazbo Newspaper Sukkur
Head Office : Ayub Gate Shaikh Muhalla Near Rabbania Masjid Sukkur
Karachi Office : Office No. 1901-B, 19th Floor Saima Trade Tower (B) Block I.I Chandigarh Road Near Jung Press, Shaheen Complex & National Museum of Pakistan Karachi Sindh Pakistan.
Contact : 03009319022
Website 1 : https://paksouch.com/
Website 2 : https://sindhi.paksouch.com/
Website 3 : https://pakjazbo.com/
Website 4 : https://urdu.pakjazbo.com/
About The Author
