Sindh Minister Nasir Hussain Shah has criticized the recent protests, stating that the demonstrators reached Islamabad in just three days but fled within three minutes.

Speaking at a media briefing at Sukkur Press Club, the senior minister noted that the Red Zone was cleared within 3 to 10 minutes. He said that the leaders who came to free their leader ended up with arrest of their own workers. He emphasized that relief could only come from the courts, and not through any other means.

Referring to those calling for an NRO, Shah made it clear that there would be no such arrangement. “If PTI becomes peaceful, only then can their issues be resolved,” he said, adding that the government had even offered spaces for peaceful protests, but the leadership was unwilling to accept it. He also dismissed claims that the founder of PTI would take an oath at the Prime Minister’s House after his release from jail, stating that nothing of the sort transpired. He further pointed out that foreign presidents were in the country, bringing in investment, while these groups were spreading chaos.

Shah also praised Mohsin Naqvi for his patient handling of the situation, acknowledging his efforts in resolving key issues. “Pakistan is moving towards progress,” he said, urging people not to be misled by false narratives. He also reiterated his opposition to Governor’s Rule but acknowledged the need for action in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), where the situation requires decisive steps. Instead of improving conditions in KP, Shah stated, the disruptive elements were intent on sowing chaos.

The Sindh minister also mentioned that many people from Sindh, Balochistan, and Punjab had participated in the protests, including individuals from abroad, with the KP government utilizing all available resources for the protest. Shah urged PTI to refrain from engaging in politics of unrest and to allow the nation to live in peace.

On the issue of the Indus River, Shah reaffirmed that the water dispute could never be a subject of negotiation, stressing that this remains the principled stance of the Pakistan Peoples Party.