Sindh Senior Minister and Provincial Minister for Information, Transport and Mass Transit, Sharjeel Inam Memon, has strongly condemned the statement made by the son of the founder of PTI regarding GSP Plus, calling the rhetoric against GSP Plus a dangerous conspiracy against national interests and unacceptable under any circumstances.
In a statement, Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said that GSP Plus status not only provides economic support to the country but is also directly linked to the employment of millions of Pakistanis. Making statements on a sensitive issue like GSP Plus for political purposes is, in fact, an attempt to harm national interests.
He said that the problem with PTI is not just lying, but persisting in it with brazenness even after being exposed. An attempt is now being made to create the impression that the family members of the PTI founder did not speak against GSP Plus. Pro-India individuals were also present during the conversation, yet they did not make such remarks; however, portraying the situation as if nothing was said against GSP Plus is contrary to facts.
Sharjeel Inam Memon said that the public can clearly see and understand how certain circles have been running campaigns against the country. Some individuals do not hesitate to put the country’s global reputation at stake for personal and political interests.
He said that Pakistan’s economy is going through challenging times, and at this moment, unity and seriousness are required. Certain elements are creating a narrative against their own country for personal interests, which is condemnable and unacceptable.
He further stated that no one can be allowed to sacrifice national interests for political gains, and the nation will never accept such behavior.
Separately, Central Information Secretary of Pakistan Peoples Party, Shazia Marri Friday strongly criticized the son of former prime minister Imran Khan for giving an “irresponsible and regrettable” remarks regarding Pakistan’s European Union GSP Plus status.
In a statement, Marri said that treating a sensitive issue like GSP Plus in a casual or non-serious manner was against Pakistan’s national interest.
She said that such statements could adversely affect the country’s exports and undermine its global reputation at a time when economic stability remains a top priority.
“National interest and the livelihoods of millions cannot be sacrificed for political point-scoring,” she emphasized, saying that GSP Plus is closely tied to Pakistan’s trade advantages and employment across multiple sectors.
Recalling past political messaging, Marri said that during difficult times, President Asif Ali Zardari had promoted unity through the slogan “Pakistan Khappay,” urging national cohesion. “Making such statements today for personal political gains is highly condemnable,” she added.
She also criticized individuals issuing statements from abroad, calling it unfortunate that those not residing in Pakistan were making remarks that could harm the country’s credibility.
“We and our children live here; the country’s reputation means everything to us,” she said.
Marri said that family members of the founding chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf should face Pakistan’s legal system and courts instead of engaging in external confrontations.
Accusing PTI of prioritizing an individual over national interest, she said the party was harming both Pakistan’s political environment and its international standing.
She said that the nation would not forgive those who conspire with external elements against Pakistan’s interests.