Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has sharply criticized the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, calling it a “group of terrorists” following violent clashes between PTI supporters and law enforcement in Islamabad. During a high-level meeting on the country’s law and order situation, the Prime Minister directed authorities to file charges against those involved in the riots.
The PM condemned the PTI-led Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government for allegedly using state resources to attack the federal capital during PTI’s recent three-day protest. He also referred to the protest as the “fourth invasion” of Islamabad by PTI, comparing it to the party’s 126-day sit-in in 2014. He accused PTI of causing significant harm to the nation, citing disruptions to the economy, including the cancellation of the Chinese president’s visit.
Addressing the recent violence, the Prime Minister claimed that PTI supporters had killed a policeman and four Rangers personnel, leaving several law enforcement officers injured. He emphasized that strict action would be taken against the rioters, stating, “Should we hand Pakistan over to this terrorist party?”
In response to the violence, PM Shehbaz formed a task force, led by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, to identify and prosecute those responsible. The government also announced plans to establish a Federal Riot-Control Force, modernize the Islamabad Safe City project, and create a Federal Forensic Lab to investigate such incidents. The goal is to prevent future unrest and strengthen the country’s law enforcement capabilities.
