Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has warned that the government will not tolerate any propaganda against the armed forces of Pakistan, specifically targeting the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for running smear campaigns against the country and Army Chief General Asim Munir. “The perpetrators of the May 9 riots, who attacked parliament and PTV, have resorted to new tactics to malign the country and its armed forces,” PM Shehbaz stated during a federal cabinet meeting on Wednesday.
His remarks followed Inter-Services Public Relations Director-General (DG ISPR) Lt General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry’s call for the nation to stand against militants and “digital terrorists.” “Digital terrorism is being done on social media. The army is standing up against terrorists and digital terrorists. The time has come for the entire nation to stand up against them,” the DG ISPR declared on Monday.
On the same day, PTI’s Information Secretary Raoof Hasan was arrested in Islamabad for allegedly participating in anti-state propaganda.
In the cabinet meeting, PM Shehbaz reiterated the need for national unity to protect the country’s interests. The meeting did not address the possibility of banning the PTI, despite recent statements from Information Minister Attaullah Tarar suggesting such action due to PTI’s alleged anti-state activities.
PM Shehbaz also condemned the recent surge in terrorist attacks, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, where several security personnel were martyred. He highlighted the involvement of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants from Afghanistan, calling these attacks “unacceptable.”
Two days earlier, the Pakistan Army neutralized three terrorists attempting to infiltrate from Afghanistan into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Additionally, terrorist attacks in DI Khan and Bannu last week resulted in the martyrdom of two soldiers and five civilians in DI Khan, and eight soldiers in Bannu.
PM Shehbaz emphasized that Pakistan desires a peaceful resolution but is prepared to protect its citizens. He also criticized Afghanistan for the attacks, despite Pakistan hosting Afghan refugees without complaint.
Moreover, the prime minister announced plans to abolish visa fees for 126 countries to boost business and tourism. Visitors will receive visas within 24 hours through an electronic travel authorization form, with E-gates initially set up at Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi airports.
PM Shehbaz condemned Israel’s human rights abuses against Palestinians, noting the deaths of around 40,000 Palestinians, including thousands of children and women. He urged for international resolutions and court decisions to be respected.
He also addressed recent attacks on Pakistan’s missions in Germany and London, stating that the Foreign Office had taken timely action and that the concerned envoys should be given demarches to ensure the protection of Pakistan’s missions.
