Opposition’s protest can harm economy, democracy: Qureshi

MULTAN, June 7 (APP)::Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Friday said the opposition should not take any step against the country’s interest as protest demonstrations could harm economy and democracy.

He asked whether the politics of protests would strengthen the country. The opposition should learn from past experiences and avoid doing politics of agitation, he said while talking to media persons here.

Qureshi said protests and demonstrations which could cause chaos and unrest in the country. Who would be responsible in case of any loss of human life during the protest demonstrations, he questioned.

If the protests, he said, could help reduce inflation, then the opposition should go for that. The politics of agitation would not even be in their own interest, he added.

The foreign minister said they (opposition) needed to not ignore the reason behind the rising inflation, which was the result of ill-conceived policies of past governments.

He said the incumbent government was inviting foreign investors and the opposition’s protest would affect foreign investment. The government had liberalized visa policy to promote tourism, he added.

Responding to a question, he maintained that the defence budget was not reduced on the pressure of International Monetary Fund, but a decision in that regard was taken by the Pakistan Armed Forces voluntarily as evident from an Inter Services Public Relations’ statement.

Though the requirements of the armed forces were genuine, yet they made the decision to reduce economic burden on the masses and in national interest only, he added.

To another question about the PTM and situation in Waziristan, the foreign minister said some elements wanted to create unrest in the tribal areas to fulfill some foreign agenda.

He questioned whether those elements were serving the country or strengthening its economy. “Who brought peace in Waziristan? Who sacrificed their lives and eradicated the menace of terrorism from the area?” he asked.

He said if the PTM thought that they had constructive thinking then they should also act in a constructive manner.

To another query, Qureshi stated that Shehbaz Sharif should return and face the accountability process. The courts were independent and let them decide his cases, he added.

He said the PTI and allied parties had complete confidence in the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan.