The Constitution should be followed, whether it is good or bad. If anyone dislikes the Constitution, they should come together to amend it, but not tear it apart.
Islamabad, Lahore (Web News)
Leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party and former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi stated that the country cannot develop without the rule of law. Speaking at a ThinkFest on the topic “Why Politics in Pakistan Always Faces Issues,” Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said that where elections are rigged, political and economic stability will never be achieved, and we must adhere to the Constitution. He emphasized that a country without the rule of law cannot progress and acknowledged all past mistakes, mentioning that he has spent 35 years in this system, during which constitutional amendments were made without proper knowledge, and the Constitution became unbalanced.
The leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party further stated that the military must stay within constitutional limits. When the military steps outside these boundaries, it harms the country, but the military never steps outside these boundaries without political leaders. The former Prime Minister said that the PPP has ruled Sindh for 16 years, PTI has governed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for 11 years, and PML-N has been in power for several years, yet no one has addressed issues like health, education, or infrastructure—this is a long history of failure.
Shahid Khaqan Abbasi also mentioned that the founder of PTI did not win in 2018 based on his own power; this reality must be accepted. He stated that we must forget the past, move forward, and find solutions by working together with the country’s leaders. Politicians must make tough decisions to save the country. He said that, according to principle, one must fight the battle if necessary. He added that in 2018, he reduced taxes for salaried individuals, making up to 1.2 million rupees annually tax-free.
The misfortune of politics is that when you leave politics, friendships and social life end. He emphasized that the game of accusations must stop, and no party, individual, or institution is exempt from these accusations. Whether the Constitution is good or bad, it should be followed. If someone does not like the Constitution, they should work together to change it, but never tear it apart.
The leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party further stated that the economy must improve for the country to improve. Today’s youth wants economic solutions. Those who claim they were not allowed to work should resign and go home. Shahid Khaqan Abbasi also mentioned that Imran Khan’s popularity was a result of the incompetence of his opponents, not his own performance.
He described the February 8 elections as a peaceful revolution, which came through the ballot box, not rallies or processions. He urged all political parties to agree on a joint agenda for solving national issues after the elections. He stated that it is necessary to dissolve Parliament to hold new elections. He also suggested that each candidate should be asked where they are getting the funds for their election expenses. He mentioned that the NAB (National Accountability Bureau) had asked him every question except about tax payments.
Shahid Khaqan Abbasi further stated that a divided country cannot have a foreign policy. He emphasized the need to strengthen Pakistan internally and establish better relations with neighboring countries. He also mentioned that he does not wish to lead any interim government and stated that political parties must seriously work to resolve national issues.