Reflecting on Pakistan’s history of political agitation, Shehbaz Sharif accused the “instigators of chaos” of consistently undermining national and international interests
By Asghar Ali Mubarak
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared the successful end of what he termed an “anarchist attack” on Islamabad, crediting the military, led by Army Chief General Asim Munir, for their decisive role in addressing the crisis. Speaking at a federal cabinet meeting in the capital, Sharif emphasized that the government had effectively quelled the unrest and restored order.
Sharif described the assailants as armed “saboteurs” intent on destabilizing the capital while the government was engaged in high-stakes negotiations with Belarus. He lamented the economic toll inflicted by the unrest, noting that business activity had come to a halt, and the livelihoods of workers and shopkeepers were disrupted across Islamabad and the twin cities. The Prime Minister underscored the urgency of protecting economic stability from recurring political disturbances.
Reflecting on Pakistan’s history of political agitation, Sharif accused the “instigators of chaos” of consistently undermining national and international interests. He cited the disruption of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit in 2014 and the recent attempt to sabotage the Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting as examples of politically motivated anarchy. Sharif stressed that the events of May 9, in which public and military properties were attacked, should have served as a lesson, and he urged for stringent judicial action to prevent future incidents.
The Prime Minister also pointed to the volatile impact of the protests on Pakistan’s stock market. “Our stock exchange had crossed 99,000 points just days ago, but yesterday’s turmoil caused it to plunge by 4,000 points, erasing gains. Thankfully, stability is returning as the market rebounds,” he said. Calling for economic reforms, Sharif warned that without tough decisions, Pakistan would continue to face disruptions. The Prime Minister reiterated that investments thrive in peaceful environments, and the government’s recent decision to entrust the military with enhanced security responsibilities underscores the commitment to maintaining order. He concluded with a call for unity, urging political actors to prioritize the nation’s stability over personal or party gains, and assured citizens of the government’s determination to protect Pakistan’s economic and social fabric.
