PM Shehbaz rules out letting protest politics harm economy

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that nobody will be allowed to undermine the economy via protest-driven politics, and that the law will be enforced to protect citizens' lives and property. He made the remarks at the groundbreaking of the Kashmir Chowk Underpass in Islamabad, where he asked the PTI to abandon its long march, offering government talks in return. A press release described his view that ending the march also reflects the wishes of the nation.

Sharif also cited macroeconomic stability during the last two and a half years, together with growth in exports and remittances. Mohsin Naqvi, the interior minister, earlier addressed the gathering and described the underpass as part of efforts to upgrade Islamabad before next year's SCO Summit. He added that the capital would be plastic-free and cashless by year end, with land records digitised over the same period.

According to the prime minister, the PML-N and PPP had jointly agreed, following internal consultations, to open dialogue with PTI in good faith to steer it away from long marches. He nonetheless said the discussions had not yielded results, and voiced regret that the opposing side appeared unwilling to help them succeed. Sharif also commended Naqvi for fixing a one-month target for finishing the Kashmir Chowk Underpass, noting that roads and bridges help people travel on schedule.