Miftah Ismail says inflation, joblessness worsening amid policy failures

RAWALPINDI: Awaam Pakistan Party (APP) Secretary General Miftah Ismail said on Saturday that Pakistan was facing mounting economic difficulties, with unemployment rising and the federal budget failing to tackle basic issues confronting the public.

Speaking at an APP membership drive event at the party’s local secretariat in Waris Khan, he linked the situation to what he described as flawed economic policymaking.

“Due to wrong economic policies, inflation increases and average household income decreases,” he said, while adding that his party would work to restore economic growth and improve economic management.

The ceremony was attended by local workers and supporters. In his address, Miftah said Pakistan belonged to all its citizens and called for equal rights for every Pakistani, including minorities, marginalised communities and transgender people. He said Awaam Pakistan would continue speaking out against false cases, injustice, the exploitation of minorities, poverty and unemployment.

He also said that no Pakistani could be truly secure unless the country’s borders were secure.

Party leaders outline agenda

APP Central Information Secretary Dr Zafar Mirza said the party had been formed to bring positive political, economic and democratic change in the country. He said the governance model of the past 77 years had failed to resolve the problems of ordinary citizens, which was why the party had stepped forward.

According to Dr Mirza, women’s political representation, internal party democracy and equal rights for minorities were among the party’s main priorities.

Central Vice President Chaudhry Inam Zafar said he had joined Awaam Pakistan after a 42-year political career because of his confidence in the honesty and transparency of Shahid Khaqan Abbasi. He said the party had emerged as an alternative political force committed to ending dynastic politics and corruption.

Other speakers said party workers were carrying out their responsibilities with trust and confidence in the leadership. Minority representative Mumtaz Bhatti highlighted the concerns of the Christian community and pointed to the challenges faced by minorities in Pakistan.

Pastor Asif and Pastor Nasir offered prayers for the country, the nation and Awaam Pakistan. The event ended with a renewed pledge to strengthen the party’s organisational work, membership campaign and outreach efforts.