ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday urged Pakistanis to prioritise national peace and progress over political protests and sit-ins, as tensions mount ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party’s planned march to the country’s capital on November 24.
Addressing the National Action Plan’s apex committee, the prime minister called for a rational assessment of whether the planned protests truly served the country’s interests. “We must decide whether it is in the nation’s best interest to engage in sit-ins and long marches or to focus on the progress of Pakistan,” he said.
Shehbaz Sharif emphasised the critical link between political stability and economic growth, noting that the country’s economy was gradually stabilising due to the combined efforts of the federal government, provincial authorities, key institutions, and Pakistan’s military leadership. “Political and economic stability are interlinked,” he added, highlighting the country’s fragile economic recovery.
The prime minister also urged all political stakeholders to contribute to the economic revitalisation of the country, calling both economic and political stability essential for Pakistan’s long-term prosperity.
He expressed gratitude to the provincial governments for their support in securing a vital $7 billion bailout package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which had helped stabilise the country’s financial situation.
PM Shehbaz reiterated the government’s commitment to eradicating terrorism, describing the fight against militancy as one of the country’s most pressing challenges. He voiced particular concern over the recent uptick in terrorist attacks in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces.
“Terrorism remains the biggest challenge we face,” Sharif said, adding that Pakistan had made significant strides in curbing the menace in 2018, largely due to the sacrifices of the nation’s people and security forces. He credited the success of past counterterrorism efforts to a broad national consensus, developed under the leadership of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
Shehbaz Sharif also took a moment to reflect on the country’s improving economic indicators, citing a record-high stock market performance, a reduction in inflation to single-digit levels, and a decrease in the central bank’s key policy rate from 22% to 15%.
He noted significant growth in Pakistan’s IT exports and a rise in remittances, which he attributed to the country’s ongoing economic reforms.
The government is also working to expand the national tax base, the primer said, stressing the importance of tackling tax evasion and improving revenue collection as part of efforts to reduce Pakistan’s reliance on foreign debt.
“We must work together to advance Pakistan’s development,” Shehbaz told the committee, emphasising the need for unity in the face of ongoing challenges.
Army Chief Speech
In his address to the Apex Committee, Army Chief General Asim Munir emphasised the nation’s collective responsibility in the fight against terrorism and securing the country’s future.
“In this war on terror, every Pakistani — whether in uniform or out — is an army chief,” the Army Chief declared, underscoring the importance of unity and national resolve in combating the scourge of extremism.
“The Constitution comes first to all of us. It is our responsibility, as outlined by the Constitution, to ensure the safety and security of Pakistan, both at home and abroad,” the Army Chief stated firmly.
He warned that any attempts to undermine the country’s security would have serious consequences. “Anyone who stands in the way of Pakistan’s security or obstructs us from fulfilling our duties will have to face the consequences,” he said.
The Army Chief also acknowledged the sacrifices made by the armed forces and law enforcement agencies in filling the governance gaps. “Our brave soldiers and law enforcement personnel are daily sacrificing their lives, often paying the ultimate price, to make up for the shortcomings in governance,” he said.
