ISLAMABAD, Oct. 27 -- Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday accused the anti-gov't protesters of "creating anarchy" in the country.

Former cricketer icon Imran Khan, who has staged a sit-in in the capital Islamabad since Aug. 14, has been demanding resignation of the prime minister as he alleges the last year's elections had been rigged. The gov't rejects the claim.

Tahir ul Qadri, who heads Pakistan Awami Tehrik party, is also campaigning against the government; however, he called off his sit- in in Islamabad after nearly two months. He has started a series of anti-gov't rallies in major cities.

Nawas Sharif called upon both the opposition leaders to end their agitation as the country cannot afford such politics.

"I urge the protesting parties to shun the course of anarchy and practice mature politics to fight the multiple issues faced by the country," the prime minister told reporters in Islamabad after speaking at an International Investors Conference.

"Those who are trying to impede the process of development should reconsider their modus operandi. It appears as if they have no interest in the prosperity of the country. The game being played by them is highly inappropriate," he said in hard-hitting remarks.

Gov't ministers say that the sit-ins in the capital has had a negative impact on the country's economy, the stock exchange and led to the devaluation of the rupee. At least three world leaders postponed their state visits over the protests.

Nawaz Sharif condemned the sit-ins politics and said "we all need to focus on the issues of people including poverty, unemployment, terrorism and security challenges."

He said there are good sentiments about Pakistan both inside and outside the country and those pursuing politics of sit-ins should not try to distort positive image of the country.

Earlier, speaking at the investment conference, the prime minister said his government believes in no-holds-barred foreign investment regime, and he has mandated the state-owned Board of Investments the high-level one-window agency empowered to facilitate investors in planning and implementing their ventures.

"We have reserved a large competitive and accommodating space for foreign investment that forms an integral part of our development drive," Sharif said.