In a bold statement, Pakistan’s 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.
With just weeks left for the international event, tensions are mounting as government officials claim the PTI’s planned protests are part of a larger conspiracy backed by foreign powers to destabilize the country.
Allegations of a Foreign-Backed Conspiracy
On Friday, in an interview with ARY News, Khawaja Asif pointed fingers at PTI, led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan, accusing the party of plotting to undermine the summit through nationwide protests.
He alleged that these demonstrations are not mere political expression but part of a larger conspiracy, involving foreign elements, including Israel, aimed at destabilizing Pakistan’s political environment.
“Their protests are not just a coincidence, but a deliberate attempt to sabotage the SCO summit,” Asif claimed, indicating that PTI’s actions threaten Pakistan’s national interests. He further urged political leaders, the judiciary, and the public to grasp the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing national security over political rivalries.
The SCO summit, scheduled for October 15-16, is a crucial platform for regional cooperation, and the presence of key foreign dignitaries, including India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, is expected to draw significant global attention.
In his remarks, Asif also insinuated that the protests are being supported by external forces, which, if true, would elevate the political conflict into a matter of national security and international intrigue.
The government’s stance, as laid out by Asif, reflects growing concerns over how domestic unrest may affect Pakistan’s diplomatic standing and regional relations, especially given the tense geopolitical landscape.
Security Concerns and Government Response
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi echoed Asif’s concerns, stating that the federal government is prepared to take all necessary measures to ensure the security and smooth functioning of the SCO summit. With foreign delegations and high-profile meetings on the agenda, including a visit from Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and a delegation from Saudi Arabia, the stakes are high.
Naqvi announced that the government would enforce Section 144 in Islamabad, prohibiting public gatherings and protests, to prevent any potential disruptions. “Keeping in view the current scenario, no one will be allowed to hold demonstrations,” Naqvi declared.
He further called on PTI leadership and the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to reconsider their protest plans, underscoring the security risks they pose.
The government’s focus is clearly on creating a stable and secure environment for the SCO summit, given its importance for regional diplomacy. Any disruption, Naqvi warned, could not only derail the summit but also damage Pakistan’s international reputation.
The imposition of Section 144 highlights the government’s determination to avoid any interruptions to the high-stakes diplomatic proceedings and to ensure that Islamabad remains secure throughout the event.
Growing Political Tensions
The allegations against PTI and the stringent security measures reveal deepening tensions between Pakistan’s ruling coalition and the opposition. This latest round of political conflict is playing out against the backdrop of a fragile political landscape, where protests, government crackdowns, and foreign alliances are closely intertwined.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s accusations further escalate the ongoing power struggle between the ruling government and PTI.
Asif’s remarks suggest that PTI’s protests are not merely an internal political maneuver but part of a broader strategy that could have international repercussions. The government’s preemptive actions to curb protests also indicate their awareness of the potential for the situation to spiral into a broader national crisis.
The timing of the protests, just before a major international event like the SCO summit, adds to the complexity of the situation. For Pakistan, hosting the SCO summit is a significant opportunity to showcase its role in regional diplomacy, particularly with the participation of key regional players such as China, Russia, and India. Any disruption could tarnish Pakistan’s image and diminish its standing on the global stage.
From the PTI’s perspective, however, the protests could be seen as an attempt to assert political power and galvanize public support amid what they perceive as a crackdown on opposition voices. As political maneuvering intensifies, both sides are aware that their actions will have implications not only for domestic politics but also for Pakistan’s international relationships.
As Pakistan braces for the upcoming SCO summit, the political landscape is becoming increasingly volatile.
The government’s accusations against PTI and its preemptive security measures reflect growing concerns over the potential impact of domestic unrest on the country’s international standing. With the SCO summit poised to be a major diplomatic event, the stakes are high for all involved.
For Pakistan, maintaining order and ensuring the success of the summit are of paramount importance. However, with the PTI determined to press ahead with protests and the government resolute in its efforts to prevent them, the political conflict appears far from over.
The next few weeks will be critical in determining whether Pakistan can successfully navigate these challenges and host the SCO summit without disruption.
