PROVINCE REPORT
ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister and Awaam Pakistan Party President Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Saturday said constitutional supremacy, the rule of law, transparent governance and political stability were essential for Pakistan’s progress, urging all political stakeholders to pursue national consensus instead of confrontation.
Addressing a press conference at the National Press Club, Abbasi criticised the government’s economic policies, claiming they relied mainly on higher taxes and increased borrowing while failing to address inflation, unemployment, corruption and poverty. He was accompanied by party leaders, including Chaudhry Inam Zafar, Fatima Atif and Sarfraz Afzal.
Abbasi said the purchasing power of citizens had declined sharply over the past four years, the tax burden had nearly doubled, unemployment had reached its highest level in more than two decades, and investment had fallen significantly. He also said rising electricity, gas and fuel prices, along with an uncertain tax regime, had hurt businesses.
Criticising agricultural policies, he claimed government decisions had adversely affected farmers, increased flour prices and led to wheat imports.
The former prime minister called for comprehensive dialogue among the government, opposition, judiciary, establishment and other national institutions, saying lasting reforms and political consensus—not merely fresh elections—were needed to address the country’s economic and political challenges.
Abbasi concluded by urging an end to political victimisation and confrontation, calling on all political forces to work together in the national interest to steer Pakistan out of its current crises.
