Govt vows not to allow ‘violent groups’ to reach capital

Islamabad's Information Minister Attaullah Tarar declared on Sunday that the government would not permit any violent factions to approach the capital or obstruct roads, as ministers cautioned about the legal, economic, and law enforcement ramifications of upcoming protests by Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf and Jamaat-i-Islami. Tarar emphasized that the Islamabad High Court (IHC) had explicitly banned road closures and interference with public movement, thus placing the duty on the administration to ensure no such disruptions occur.

He affirmed that no violent group would be granted access to Islamabad, stating that the administration, police, interior minister, and the entire government were unequivocal on the issue, adding that demonstrators aiming to create chaos would not be permitted to enter the capital, and roads would remain open. Tarar also mentioned ongoing communication with Jamaat-i-Islami at various levels, describing the party's leaders as peaceful and adaptable, while stressing the universality of the law and the prohibition of road blockages.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb cautioned that strikes, sit-ins, large marches, and road closures could impose an estimated Rs120 billion economic loss daily when the economy is transitioning from stability to growth. Citing joint estimates from the Planning Commission and the Ministry of Finance, Aurangzeb highlighted that the services sector — encompassing financial services, communication, retail, transportation, wholesale, and hospitality — could face the most significant daily loss of around Rs86 billion, while the industrial sector might suffer approximately Rs25 billion, including construction, finished goods, raw materials, and supply chains, and agriculture could incur Rs9 billion.

Additional revenue losses of about Rs17 billion daily were also anticipated due to economic disruptions. Aurangzeb noted that businesses and exporters were already grappling with pressures from disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab, rising freight and insurance expenses, and the ongoing wave of terrorism. He warned that further political disruption could jeopardize the government's export-driven growth objectives.

The export target for the current fiscal year was $35.9 billion, with a six percent growth anticipated. Aurangzeb also pointed out the potential impact on IT exports, which stood at $811 million during July and August, averaging around $13 million per day. He highlighted that internet connectivity disruptions during prior episodes of civil disobedience had caused as much as 80 percent decline in IT exports.

The finance minister acknowledged his role in presenting the facts, figures, and potential downsides of what he termed "self-inflicted harm" and called for dialogue to address outstanding political issues. Concerns over PTI's statements arose as Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry expressed worries about the potential for violence following the party's planned march towards Islamabad.

Chaudhry regarded a reported statement by a senior PTI leader about the protesters aiming to transform Islamabad into "Somnath" as a threat and affirmed the government's obligation to safeguard the capital, maintain peace, and prevent any interference with the daily routine. Regarding Jamaat-i-Islami's protests, Chaudhry noted the party's lack of history in violent protests or compromising law and order, expressing hope that the matter could be resolved through dialogue.