Islamabad: Commission probing 2017 Faizabad sit-in has termed it failure of then Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz led federal and Punjab governments.

Inquiry commission in its findings revealed that then Punjab government led by Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif did not attempt to stop Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) protest in province.

According to report, provincial government allowed free movement of protesters and also provided security to gathering. Report said that Punjab government was hesitant to take action against protesters owing to threats to lives of PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, Rana Sanaullah and other government officials. Punjab government was relieved after protesters entered Islamabad as Shehbaz Sharif-led provincial government wanted centre to deal with matters related to Faizabad sit-in. However, Islamabad administration was overwhelmed by approaching situation amid free movement of protesters into capital city, report stated. As per report’s findings, then Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Punjab CM had heated verbal exchange during meeting as they disagreed on resignation of then Law Minister Zahid Hamid.

Report revealed that Sharif had pushed for resignation of Hamid while Shahid Khaqan Abbasi opposed decision. Commission termed it one of few reasons, both Punjab and Centre failed to counter Faizabad sit-in on time. Commission said that Islamabad and Punjab police’s November 25, 2017, operation was complete failure as move resulted in creating further chaos. According to report, both government were trading blames as protesters continued to put them under pressure.

Meanwhile, commission rebuked reports of conspiracy against government, saying that Inter-Services Intelligence interfered in matter on directives of Centre. Commission cited minutes of November 22, 2017, meeting presided over by PM Abbasi to refute claims of conspiracy to distabilise government. Faizabad inquiry commission said that then DGC of ISI was given responsibility to engage protesters under Article 245. DGC of ISI signed on agreement after TLP protesters insisted on including then Army Chief in agreement, report added.

Published in The Daily National Courier, April, 20 2024

Like Business on Facebook, follow @DailyNCourier on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.