Inflation, economic challenges due to failure of political system: Khaqan

FAISALABAD: Former prime minister and convener of Awam Pakistan Party, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, has attributed the ongoing inflation and economic challenges to failure of the political system and the lack of constitutional supremacy.

Speaking to lawyers at the District Bar Faisalabad, he said inflation had increased as key commodities like electricity, gas, lentils, and petrol are linked to the dollar rate. He noted that Pakistan’s weak economy had ever hindered development, adding that the elite’s prosperity was rooted in the poverty of masses.

Senior politician and former federal parliamentary secretary Rana Zahid Tauseef accompanied him at the event.

Abbasi admitted that the responsibility for the country’s economic downturn lied with the leadership. He criticised the culture of celebrating IMF agreements, saying, “It’s unfortunate that in Faisalabad, people celebrate when an IMF programme is approved.”

He explained that after distributing funds to provinces, whatever remains with the federal government is consumed by interest payments, forcing the country to take more loans. Reflecting on his tenure, Abbasi shared that he faced numerous NAB hearings, where he was questioned about everything except whether he paid taxes. He criticised the lack of accountability among the elite and questioned why every citizen with a national identity card could not be made a tax filer. He also expressed frustration that a bill he presented in Parliament to address these issues was rejected by all political parties. Abbasi lamented the state of political instability in the country, asserting that development could not occur amidst such chaos. “It’s not the fault of IPPs; it’s our failure to manage the economy,” he added.

Shahid Khaqan said that while political leaders in other countries focus on reforms, Pakistan’s leadership remains entangled in internal conflicts and crises. He criticised misuse of police resources for VIP protocols and argued that reforms were urgently needed to fix the system. “The country’s elite do not pay taxes, and the results are evident,” he said, questioning why the National Tax Number (NTN) system had not been replaced with the use of CNIC numbers for tax purposes. Recalling his economic reforms with Miftah Ismail in 2018, Abbasi said they had introduced three tax slabs, which were later undone by the PTI government. He expressed disappointment that both the government and opposition lack clarity on the way forward, stating, “Every political party in this country has been in power, yet no one knows what to do.”

Abbasi criticised the ease with which constitutional amendments were passed without proper review, warning of the long-term consequences. He claimed that 50pc senators secured their positions through money and predicted that a similar situation could arise in the judiciary. He acknowledged the failure of the system and called for collective ownership of the country’s problems. “I admit my failure, and everyone must take responsibility for the state of the nation,” he added. Abbasi dismissed the excuse of being obstructed from performing duties, suggesting that those unable to fulfil their responsibilities should resign and step aside. Addressing a lawyer’s question about the legality of certain government practices, he asserted, “If a system is unlawful, it should be reformed, not perpetuated.” Abbasi concluded by holding key political figures, including Imran Khan, Asif Ali Zardari, and Nawaz Sharif, responsible for the country’s current challenges, stating that Pakistan’s system is controlled by the elite at the expense of the common man.