Pakistan PM labels Khan’s party ‘anti-state’ following Islamabad protest

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has strongly condemned former premier Imran Khan's party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), calling it an “anti-state” and “subversive” force days after PTI supporters stormed the capital to demand Khan's release.

The demonstrations escalated into clashes between PTI supporters and law enforcement agencies, resulting in significant unrest in Islamabad.

The protests reached a climax on Wednesday night when security forces dispersed protesters during a late-night operation. The PTI alleged that several of its supporters were shot and killed by law enforcement during the crackdown, a claim authorities have categorically denied.

After a high-level meeting in Islamabad, PM Shehbaz condemned PTI’s role in the violence, emphasizing its severe economic impact. He claimed the riots had caused daily losses of PKR 190 billion to the national economy.

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He directed law enforcement agencies to register cases against those responsible for the unrest and ordered prosecutors to ensure the collection of solid evidence for legal proceedings.

“No more tolerance for sedition and corruption,” Shehbaz declared during the meeting. He stressed that his government would take all necessary measures to thwart efforts to destabilize Pakistan. “We will break the hands of the enemies of Pakistan,” he added.

Meanwhile, the PTI has demanded a judicial inquiry into the D-Chowk incident, alleging that security forces opened fire on its workers during the November 26 protest. The government, however, has rejected calls for such an inquiry.

Federal sources confirmed that no proposal to form an inquiry commission is currently under consideration. Instead, the government has established a task force, led by Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, to investigate the recent violence and identify those responsible.

Additional measures announced during the meeting include the formation of a Federal Riot Control Force and the establishment of a forensic laboratory to improve evidence collection and investigation of future disturbances.

Bushra Bibi, wife of jailed former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, and supporters of Khan's party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) attend a rally demanding his release, in Islamabad, Pakistan, November 26, 2024. Reuters

PM Shehbaz also directed officials to upgrade the Islamabad Safe City project to ensure modern surveillance systems are in place to prevent future incidents of unrest.

“We must all come together to ensure the stability and security of Pakistan,” PM Shehbaz said, calling for national unity against what he described as PTI’s destabilizing efforts.

During the meeting, Shehbaz praised the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, describing them as brave and patriotic, and emphasized that the province’s character should not be defined by the actions of “a handful of anarchic elements.”

A motorcycle burns during a protest rally by the supporters of the former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) demanding the release of Khan, in Islamabad, Pakistan, November 26, 2024. Reuters

He also denounced what he called the November 24 “massacre,” which he claimed had been universally rejected by Pakistanis, including those from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The meeting was attended by key government and military officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, federal ministers Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Ahad Khan Cheema, Azam Nazir Tarar, Attaullah Tarar, Advisor to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Senior Minister Punjab Marriyum Aurangzeb, and other senior officials.

The prime minister concluded the session by urging all stakeholders to work together to protect Pakistan’s economic and national security against what he described as “despicable efforts” to destabilize the country.