ISLAMABAD: Awaam Pakistan (AP) chief and former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Saturday called for a grand national dialogue involving all key state institutions and political stakeholders, saying country’s worsening economic and governance crises cannot be addressed without upholding the Constitution, the rule of law, and meaningful structural reforms.
Addressing a press conference at the National Press Club, he thanked Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for acknowledging that the country was not being run effectively. He claimed that unemployment had reached its highest level in 21 years, while investment had fallen to one of its lowest levels in recent history.
“The situation for young people has become extremely difficult. They are unable to find jobs because the country has failed to create an environment that attracts foreign investment,” he said, adding that successive governments had focused on increasing taxes rather than encouraging economic growth.
He said the country’s economic conditions had deteriorated over the past decade, with many families now unable to afford even basic necessities.
“Compared to 10 years ago, the consumption of chicken, meat, pulses, vegetables, and other food items has declined because people can no longer afford them,” he said.
Mr Abbasi said recent remarks by the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations had also highlighted the need for reforms.
“These reforms are essential for the country’s future, but there are always people who do not want meaningful change,” he said. Criticising the agricultural policies, he said farmers had been devastated. “Our farmers have been ruined, and today we are even importing wheat by spending precious foreign exchange,” he said, alleging that those in power were more interested in purchasing official vehicles and aircraft than addressing the hardships faced by ordinary citizens.
Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2026
