Former Finance Minister Miftah Ismail announced on Monday that he and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who is also the president of PML-N, have parted ways politically. In an interview, Ismail conveyed that although he holds Nawaz Sharif in high regard, they can no longer collaborate on political matters.
During the interview, Miftah Ismail sharply criticized the recent budget, accusing the government of being insensitive to the hardships faced by the public. He pointed out the contradiction in the government’s rhetoric of difficult times while simultaneously increasing expenditures without restraint.
Ismail underscored his criticism of the current administration’s policies, arguing that they fail to prioritize the welfare of the people. He emphasized that his dissent within the party was driven by principles rather than personal ambitions, advocating for a political approach that genuinely prioritizes public interests over political maneuvering.
The former finance minister expressed serious concerns about the budget exacerbating inflation and poverty, predicting that it would push millions more below the poverty line. He highlighted that his removal from the finance ministry was partly due to his stance on taxing shopkeepers and other controversial measures.
Ismail also addressed the issue of political vendettas, citing the incarceration of opposition figures such as Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Ahsan Iqbal, and Rana Sanaullah. He specifically criticized the misuse of narcotics charges against Rana Sanaullah, calling for an end to such practices in politics.
The interview highlighted Ismail’s divergence from Nawaz Sharif and the PML-N’s current trajectory, painting a picture of a principled politician advocating for economic policies that genuinely address public hardships and an end to politically motivated actions against opposition figures.
