Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has accused the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party of attempting to sabotage the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Islamabad through planned protests. In a statement to ARY News on Friday, Asif claimed that PTI’s protests are a deliberate effort to disrupt the crucial international event, alleging that the party is part of a larger conspiracy backed by foreign powers, including Israel, to destabilise Pakistan.
“Their protests are not just a coincidence, but a deliberate attempt to sabotage the SCO summit,” Asif said, referring to the PTI demonstrations as an assault on Pakistan’s national interests. He urged all political leaders, the judiciary, and citizens to understand the gravity of the situation and prioritize the nation’s well-being.
The SCO summit, scheduled for October 15-16, is a critical event for fostering regional cooperation, and foreign delegations, including India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, are expected to attend.
Government Efforts to Prevent Protests
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi echoed Asif’s concerns, announcing that the federal government will take all necessary measures to prevent demonstrations during the summit. With several high-profile diplomatic meetings, including a visit from Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and a Saudi delegation, Naqvi stressed the importance of maintaining security and order in Islamabad.
“Keeping in view the current scenario, no one will be allowed to hold demonstrations,” Naqvi said, referencing the enforcement of Section 144 in Islamabad, which prohibits public gatherings and protests. He also urged the leadership of PTI and the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to reconsider their plans and defer the protests due to security concerns.
Tensions Ahead of the Summit
The government’s response to the PTI protests highlights growing tensions between the ruling coalition and PTI, led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The accusations from Defence Minister Asif underscore the fragile political landscape in Pakistan, where protests and political manoeuvring have often intersected with broader geopolitical concerns.
As the SCO summit approaches, the government’s focus remains on ensuring a secure environment for international diplomacy. Any disruptions, officials warn, could have severe consequences for Pakistan’s standing on the regional and global stage.
(With agency inputs)