— Says Pakistan achieved unmatched prosperity, stability, security under Imran Khan govt
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has vehemently rejected Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal’s statement, calling it a blatant distortion of facts aimed at masking the current government’s catastrophic failures in governance, the economy, and law and order, which are evident from the alarming surge in terrorism in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while the wheel of development remains frozen under their two-year misrule.
In a statement issued by PTI’s Central Information Department, the party said that the government’s repetitive claims of development and prosperity, coupled with blame-shifting tactics, have lost all credibility.
“The nation is fully aware that Pakistan’s economy was moving on a path of growth and stability under the leadership of Imran Khan,” the statement said. The party dared the current leadership to answer why Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are bleeding under their watch and why the wheel of development has ground to a halt during just two years of their rule.
PTI highlighted that during its tenure, Pakistan witnessed a notable increase in exports, industrial revival, improved foreign exchange reserves, better conditions for farmers and laborers, and expanded employment opportunities. These achievements, the party said, stand in sharp contrast to the current economic stagnation.
Questioning the government’s narrative, PTI asked why Balochistan is facing unprecedented instability and violent incidents if PTI had blocked development. PTI emphasized that between 2018 and 2022, incidents of terrorism in Balochistan declined significantly, and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was advanced beyond road infrastructure into its second phase, focusing on industrial and agricultural development.
PTI stated that the present government was merely rebranding PTI-era projects while misleading the public with hollow slogans of progress. Responding to Ahsan Iqbal’s claim of obstacles to development, PTI stated that real damage to CPEC occurred during earlier tenures when the project was restricted to select regions.
The statement further outlined key initiatives undertaken during Imran Khan’s government, including a development package exceeding Rs. 600 billion for marginalized districts to address the root causes of deprivation, full operationalization of Gwadar Port, launch of Afghan transit trade, approval and implementation of the Gwadar Smart City Master Plan, establishment of border markets to promote legal trade, and accelerated work on Special Economic Zones (SEZs) under CPEC—efforts repeatedly acknowledged by Chinese officials.
In contrast, PTI claimed that terrorism in Balochistan has increased by up to 70 percent under the “Form-47 imposed and incompetent government.” The party noted growing public protests in Gwadar and rising concerns among Chinese investors due to security risks.
PTI emphasised that Ahsan Iqbal’s allegations reflect fear that the public has recognized the difference between governance under Imran Khan and the current rulers. “False narratives cannot resolve Pakistan’s burning issues,” the statement said, adding that genuine development can only be achieved by respecting the people’s mandate and ensuring their rights.
PTI condemns deadly attack on Sheikh Waqas’s brother in Jhang, demands swift justice
PTI has strongly condemned the cowardly and premeditated attack on the brother of PTI senior leader Sheikh Waqas Akram and his unarmed security personnel in Jhang district, which tragically claimed the life of an innocent petrol pump employee and left three others seriously injured, demanding that the perpetrators be brought to justice without delay.
In a strongly-worded statement, PTI slammed the Punjab government for shattering the hard-won peace in the province, particularly in Jhang district.
PTI Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram vehemently denounced the cowardly and planned attack on his brother and unarmed security personnel in Punjab, which resulted in the tragic death of an innocent petrol pump employee and injuries to three others.
He said: “After joining the opposition, I intentionally confined all licensed weapons to my home and ensured they were never used publicly, fearing that even lawful arms could be exploited as a pretext for unfounded legal cases against us.”
“We chose to live as effectively unarmed, keeping all personal security unarmed as well. However, despite these precautions, the threat remained very real,” he added.
PTI CIS stated that today, this very decision resulted in a violent attack in ‘Safe Punjab,’ where his brother was targeted and defenceless guards were fired upon indiscriminately. Three individuals were shot in the legs, while an innocent petrol station employee was shot in the chest and lost his life.”
He noted that it is deeply concerning that a city once considered a model of peace is now again being destabilized by lawless elements, adding that these actors threaten not only our family but the safety and security of the entire community.
Waqas stated that all CCTV footage capturing the meticulously planned attack, clearly identifying the culprits and the method of the crime, is available, and demanded immediate action against the perpetrators without any delay or excuse.
He added: “It is important to note that just one day before the attack, his father, a member of the Punjab Provincial Assembly, personally met senior police officials to highlight the potential risks and urged them to take all necessary measures to prevent unrest. Regrettably, the authorities ignored these warnings, leading to the tragic loss of life and injuries today.”
He called on the Punjab Police to immediately apprehend all those involved, conduct a transparent and impartial investigation, and ensure the perpetrators are held accountable under the law, vowing that the blood of this innocent citizen will not be shed in vain.
PTI CIS asserted that lawlessness will not be tolerated, nor will any oppression be allowed under the guise of political opposition, as the safety and security of the city remain their highest priority, and no one will be permitted to threaten it. He emphasized that the world has witnessed these events and the evidence is undeniable. Justice must be delivered swiftly, as any delay is tantamount to denying justice.
Waqas stated that the claims made by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz about eliminating lawlessness and the so-called ‘dalla culture’ have proven hollow. In recent days, armed elements have openly terrorized the city, yet the authorities failed to take action. Even earlier incidents, where armed vehicles and personnel were apprehended, were ignored, further emboldening the criminals.
He strongly condemned this blatant act of terrorism and hooliganism, demanding that the perpetrators be brought to justice without delay. He warned that the city’s situation, which had improved after a long period of instability, could quickly descend back into chaos if timely legal action is not taken, holding the administration fully accountable.
