PTI’s Oct 15 protest plans during SCO summit ‘political terrorism’: Ahsan Iqbal – Pakistan

Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal on Saturday strongly condemned the PTI’s D-Chowk protest call for October 15, when the two-day Shanghai Coopera­tion Organisation (SCO) summit is set to begin, as “political terrorism”, aimed at maligning the country and stopping its development and economic progress.

The PTI has announced the suspension of its protests in Punjab and issued a nationwide call urging party leaders and workers to converge in Islamabad on Oct 15. The PTI has also demanded immediate access for party leaders and family members to its founder, Imran Khan, who is incarcerated in Adiala Jail. The government earlier banned visits to prisoners at Adiala Jail until Oct 18 due to security concerns rela­ted to the high-profile SCO summit.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, the planning minister expressed disappointment at the timing of the PTI’s protest coinciding with the SCO summit, which he said was a great honour for the country.

“Now there is no doubt, that terrorism in Karachi and political terrorism protest calls are similar,” the minister said adding that the “scriptwriter” was the same person who on one hand was using terrorists to carry out explosive attacks, and on the other, was using PTI to spread anarchy and undermine Pakistan’s vital interests.

Iqbal urged PTI supporters who genuinely wanted change and development to recognise the harm caused by their party’s actions. The minister said that the PTI’s protests in 2014 had delayed the Chinese president’s visit to Pakistan.

“The PTI is attempting to undermine the government’s economic recovery efforts. It’s crucial to acknowledge the damage caused by these actions and consider the consequences of supporting policies that hinder Pakistan’s growth and development,” he urged.

The minister said the country cannot afford to indulge in destructive politics. “Just because PTI’s leader is jailed, doesn’t justify chaos,” he said.

The minister said that it was a proud moment for Pakistan to host the SCO summit on Oct 15-16 and a significant diplomatic achievement for the country.

Separately, Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan Amir Muqam also strongly rejected the PTI’s protest call.

“It is proof of anti-nationalism. There is no doubt that PTI’s agenda seemed to be anti-Pakistan because PTI has declared the protest on this important occasion”.

He added that the PTI “once again showed its real face as the meeting of SCO is very important for Pakistan”.

The minister noted that in any case, the protest could not be allowed on the occasion and the protest call was “condemnable and very sad”, adding that protests and processions could be held at any other time.

The federal government has deployed more than 10,000 police and paramilitary personnel for the security of about 900 delegates who will arrive in Islamabad for the 23rd SCO summit to be held on Oct 15 and 16.

The SCO meeting is being participated by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Iranian first vice president Reza Aref, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and leaders from other member states. The security agencies are, therefore, determined to prevent any disruptions.

The government has deployed army troops under Article 245 of the Constitution, to bolster security measures in Islamabad from October 5 to 17. The federal government has also announced a three-day holiday in the capital starting from Oct 14 to ensure the safety and protection of delegates attending the summit.

Meanwhile, the Punjab government has imposed Section 144 in the Rawalpindi district for eight days — from Oct 10 to 17 — citing the arrival of foreign dignitaries at PAF Base Nur Khan, Rawalpindi, and New Islamabad International Airport for the SCO Summit. The order prohibits all political assemblies, rallies, sit-ins and similar activities.

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