LAHORE: The session titled “Why is Pakistan in a political crisis” on the concluding day of Afkar-e-Taza Think Fest at the jam-packed Alhamra Hall-II largely and obviously focussed on army factor in the realm of politics and governance.

Journalist and anchorperson Mohammad Mallick initiated the conversation by saying ”politicians love to blame army and army loves to blame politicians.”

Asked who is to be blamed for political instability, former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi held all state organs, including political parties, the establishment and the judiciary responsible for the political malaise the country had been afflicted with since its inception.

The former prime minister stressed the need for rule of law and adherence to the Constitution for strengthening of democracy. He linked rule of law to development of a country and spoke of ‘stolen’ mandate. Mr Mallick termed this argument a ‘textbook answer’ and recalled how the then PML-N government of which Mr Abbasi was associated with at that time (1991), got the 12th amendment passed in 11 minutes.

Shahid Khaqan Abbasi advocates rule of law for stable democratic dispensation

Mr Mallick said all amendments made by the PML-N during its various tenures were power-oriented and not people-oriented. He cited the [recent] 26th amendment, saying none of its provisions is people-oriented. Mr Abbasi said he learnt a lot from his political experiences, suggesting that let bygones be bygones and move forward in the best interest of the country. Without mincing words, the former premier said army is a reality and it will have to be within the purview of the constitution otherwise the rot would aggravate.

To a question about his interaction with the military establishment during his brief stint as premier, Mr Abbasi said he maintained his relations with the army as per the constitution. The former PM said: “I don’t doubt army’s intention, I have disagreement with it over its ‘modalities’”.

He claimed that he didn’t face [army] intervention during his stint, asserting that had there been any interference, he would have quit.

He was reminiscent of tax reforms benefitting the salaried class. He said during his tenure highest tax slab was 32 per cent and now it’s 49pc. He said during his tenure taxable income had been increased to Rs1.2 million.

Asked about the perception that his own party [Awam Pakistan] was made by the army, he said: “We left the ‘army’s parties’ and relinquished power. I had to pay the price for leaving the party. My nomination papers were rejected while I was the prime minister six weeks back.”

To a question about his defeat from his [Murree] constituency, he claimed that his defeat was orchestrated, referring to the ‘Form 47 debacle.’

Mr Abbasi defended his decision to contest from Lahore, saying he agreed on Nawaz’s insistence as the latter was sure of his opposition’s role.

Published in Dawn, January 13th, 2025