In an interview, former Prime Minister of Pakistan and Convener of Awami Pakistan, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, shared his views on various pressing issues, including provincial financial distribution, the 18th Amendment, and the need to revisit the National Finance Commission (NFC).
He criticized the current government for distributing free laptops and phones while neglecting key responsibilities, such as electricity distribution, which constitutionally lies with the provinces.
Abbasi emphasized the imbalance between the federal and provincial governments, where provinces are becoming wealthier while the federation struggles financially. He stressed that such a system cannot sustain the country, calling for proper debates on constitutional amendments and discussions in the Council of Common Interests (CCI).
Regarding the proposed judicial amendments, such as increasing the service term of judges, Abbasi expressed his concerns, arguing that these are not the country’s most urgent problems. Instead, he highlighted the severe financial burden on the public, with many unable to pay electricity bills or manage basic living expenses.
Abbasi also warned of the consequences if the government continues to disregard Supreme Court decisions, noting that this would lead to a breakdown of the country’s legal and governance systems.