Islamabad, October 14, 2024 – Finance Minister Ishaq Dar has called on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party to reconsider and cancel their planned protest on October 15, as the country prepares to host the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit.
In a statement issued today, Dar emphasized the importance of maintaining national unity and ensuring a smooth and peaceful environment for the international event. “The SCO summit is a significant opportunity for Pakistan to showcase its leadership in the region and promote bilateral ties with member countries. At this crucial juncture, we must prioritize the national interest and put our differences aside,” Dar said.
The minister further pointed out that the protests could disrupt the summit proceedings and tarnish Pakistan’s image on the global stage. He urged PTI leaders to demonstrate political maturity and consider the broader implications of their actions, given the international attention the event will attract.
The October 15 protest planned by PTI is in response to ongoing political tensions in the country, but Dar’s appeal seeks to de-escalate the situation and shift focus toward the economic and diplomatic significance of the SCO summit, where key regional leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, are expected to attend.
Dar’s comments have sparked reactions from various political quarters, with some supporting his call for unity, while others argue that protests are a legitimate expression of political dissent. However, with the summit just around the corner, the government’s priority remains clear: to ensure a successful and smooth event that could further bolster Pakistan’s standing in the international community.
As the situation develops, all eyes will be on the PTI leadership’s response and whether they will heed the government’s request or proceed with their plans for the protest.
