Tainted Politicians
ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi announced on Saturday that “tainted” politicians would not be part of the newly launched political party “Awaam Pakistan.”
Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Abbasi was joined by former Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders Miftah Ismail and Mehtab Abbasi. “Politicians with tainted reputations will not be a part of Awaam Pakistan,” Abbasi emphasized.
The launch of Awaam Pakistan follows the departure of Abbasi, Miftah, and ex-Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) member Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar from their former parties due to differences with their leadership in recent months.
The trio had been hinting at establishing a new political platform for months. In April, Abbasi approached the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to register the new political party.
Last month, Miftah Ismail announced the launch of Awaam Pakistan. He stated that the party aims to transform the country’s governance system, placing the masses at the core of decision-making.
At the launch event, Miftah criticized the current “predatory” system, stating, “Are you running East India Company? This system of the hunter and the hunted cannot continue.”
He condemned the federal government for its budget for the fiscal year 2024-25, noting that those earning Rs50,000 per month are asked to pay taxes, while no taxes are demanded from those owning thousands of acres of land.
“The tax on the salaried class has been doubled in the budget. The middle class is being crushed,” Miftah said, highlighting that the budget reflects the priorities of the ruling elite.
Miftah’s comments refer to the Finance Bill 2024, which was recently approved by President Asif Ali Zardari. The bill sets a challenging tax revenue target of Rs13 trillion for the year starting July 1, up about 40% from the current year, to strengthen the case for a new rescue deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The tax target increase includes a 48% rise in direct taxes and a 35% hike in indirect taxes over the revised estimates of the current year. Non-tax revenue, including petroleum levies, is expected to increase by 64%.
Addressing the recently announced anti-terrorism drive “Operation Azm-e-Istehkam,” Miftah remarked, “Today we are going to conduct another operation. Why are these operations needed again and again? Because you cannot end poverty.”
His remarks came as the federal cabinet last week approved the launch of the counter-terrorism operation following the National Action Plan’s Central Apex Committee’s recommendations to root out militancy from the country.
With opposition parties expressing concerns over the anti-terror operation, the government has decided to convene an all-parties conference (APC) to gain political parties’ confidence over its decision.
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