PM directs setting up anti-riots force
1. Chairing meeting he said force should be equipped with professional training and necessary tools
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered the creation of a specialized Anti-Riots Force to be deployed in Islamabad and across Pakistan to effectively respond to violent protesters.
At a meeting on Thursday to review the law and order situation in Islamabad, the prime minister emphasized that the new force should be highly trained and equipped with modern, international-standard tools. The meeting also addressed the recent wave of violence, including attacks on public property and assaults on police and Rangers personnel by protesters.
The prime minister condemned the actions of those responsible for undermining the country's stability. He stated that individuals involved in historical corruption and conspiracies to destabilize the economy in order to safeguard their government have been brought to justice. He accused these groups of attempting to sow chaos across the country by organizing marches on Islamabad instead of pursuing legal channels.
Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep concern over the injuries and martyrdom of security personnel during the anarchist marches. He described these so-called "revolutionaries" as agents of destruction, intent on destabilizing the nation. The prime minister directed authorities to take swift legal action against those involved in these disruptions, adding that the prosecution system should be strengthened to ensure swift justice. He also noted the immense financial damage caused by the ongoing chaos, which has cost the country billions of rupees.
Blaming the leaders of these anarchist groups for the economic damage, the prime minister called for the immediate identification and punishment of those responsible. He paid tribute to the security personnel who lost their lives while performing their duties and directed the formulation of a comprehensive strategy to prevent any future marches or disturbances aimed at personal or political gain.
Shehbaz Sharif reiterated that the government had exercised restraint in dealing with armed groups disguised as peaceful protesters. He instructed authorities to devise a robust plan to handle similar situations in the future and ensure that those who incited violence and unrest are held accountable.
In another address on Thursday, the prime minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving Pakistan's economic security. Speaking at the 26th National Security Workshop at the Defence University, he emphasized the direct link between national security and economic stability. "A strong economy will naturally enhance our security, with expanding exports and a growing industrial sector strengthening our overall defense," he said.
Sharif also reiterated his push for a comprehensive “Charter of Economy” that he had proposed in 2018 as opposition leader. He confirmed that the government is now fully prepared to implement the plan, which includes privatizing state-owned enterprises (SOEs). “The government’s role should be to facilitate private businesses, not engage in commercial ventures. This shift will save the country trillions of rupees,” he explained.
Despite the progress made in stabilizing the economy, the prime minister acknowledged the serious challenges that remain. He referred to Pakistan's near-default crisis in June 2023 and credited the successful agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for preventing an economic collapse. However, he warned that the IMF program would bring more hardship to the people in the short term, though he hoped it would be the last such arrangement with the Fund.
The prime minister also touched on the security situation, recalling the sacrifices made by over 80,000 Pakistanis in the fight against terrorism, which has caused $130 billion in economic losses. While terrorism had been largely defeated during the previous government of Nawaz Sharif, the prime minister acknowledged that the threat has resurfaced in recent months. He pointed to recent incidents, including the deadly attack in Parachinar, as evidence of the ongoing security challenges.
Sharif also condemned the violent march on Islamabad, stating that the aim of these protests was to create chaos and undermine efforts to stabilize the country. “Their ultimate goal is to destroy the government’s economic recovery efforts. We will not allow this to happen,” he vowed, calling for unity among all stakeholders to protect Pakistan's future.
In a separate statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause. Marking the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, he declared, “We will continue to stand by you in your just pursuit of peace, dignity, and the right to self-determination.”
The prime minister also expressed his condolences over the devastating floods in Malaysia, offering his solidarity to Malaysian Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the people of Malaysia.
