Shahid Abbasi rejects May 9 verdict, calls for inclusive political dialogue

MURREE: Awam Pakistan Party Chief and former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has expressed his rejection of the May 9 verdict, emphasizing that the decision would not be accepted by the nation in the coming two years. He argued that such decisions have historically failed to gain legitimacy from both politicians and the legal community.

In his remarks during several television talk shows, Abbasi acknowledged the significance of the May 9 incident but raised concerns over the manner in which justice is being delivered. He particularly criticized the Chief Justice’s inability to hear a constitutional petition, questioning how justice could be served under such circumstances. “A country without law cannot function; history has taught us this,” he stated.

Abbasi also condemned the current state of governance in Pakistan, asserting that the government’s power struggles and amendments would be ineffective without the necessary administrative capacity.

“Yes, take all the powers, make the 27th Amendment after the 26th, but without capacity, you cannot run the country,” he stated, further adding that the government was failing to address Pakistan’s challenges. “No matter how long it lasts, it cannot lead Pakistan forward.”

Abbasi underscored the unprecedented challenges facing the nation and stressed the importance of focusing on development rather than mere survival. “The country is stagnating,” he said. He further called for a comprehensive national political dialogue that should include not only political parties but also the military and judiciary to resolve the critical issues Pakistan faces.

Additionally, Abbasi lamented the rampant corruption and inefficiencies in governance, stating that all provinces, including Punjab, suffer from the same issues. “Recommendation culture may have ended, but corruption has reached its peak,” he asserted.

He pointed out that roads in Islamabad cost more than those in Dubai yet deteriorate quickly, questioning where the money is being allocated.

Abbasi further highlighted that every system in Pakistan, from justice to police, development, and administration, operates on financial influence, emphasizing that even justice is bought.

He referenced the imposition of Rs. 600 billion in gas development surcharges, which resulted in financial loss to the government.

He also criticized the carbon levy and stated that stock market performance and macroeconomic indicators hold no meaning if they don’t improve the lives of ordinary people. “Stock market performance and macroeconomic indicators are meaningless when they don’t translate into food on the poor man’s table,” he stressed.

In conclusion, Abbasi’s remarks illustrated the growing frustration with the political system and governance in Pakistan, calling for a broad-based national dialogue to address the nation’s myriad challenges.