Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) General Secretary Barrister Salman Akram Raja on Saturday claimed that no positive progress has been made over the past four years, and that the economy continues to be in decline.
Speaking at a press conference at the Insaf House Karachi, along with PTI Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh and other party leaders, Raja said economic recovery is not possible without protecting the rights of farmers, labourers and the general public.
He urged the public to join the movement for the release of PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan, and for the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law.
He welcomed Pakistan’s role in promoting peace in the region, but emphasised that the country should not become part of any external conflict.
He said the PTI is not a party of the elite but represents the poor, adding that its ideology is centred on public welfare. He termed agriculture the backbone of the economy, saying that farmers are facing severe difficulties and are not being given their due share.
He expressed concern over the human rights situation in the country, pointing at alleged enforced disappearances and questioning judicial independence. He claimed that 431 individuals had been picked up in Karachi in February.
He also claimed that individuals including Raja Azhar, Faheem Khan and MPA Wajid Hussain had been subjected to severe torture after arrest, while the sanctity of homes had been violated. He also claimed that media workers are being dismissed for reporting facts, terming it a dangerous trend for a democratic society.
He accused the authorities of rigging the general elections, claiming that the public mandate had been stolen, with 22 National Assembly seats from Karachi and 180 seats nationwide having been affected, while his party had also been deprived of reserved seats.
He said the PTI would continue to voice its concerns against injustice, and struggle for constitutional rights, judicial independence and the rule of law.
He said that no positive changes have been witnessed over the past four years, with the economy continuing on a downward trajectory, and historic surge in inflation.
He emphasised the need to make the tax system fair, insisting that instead of burdening the salaried class further, the elite must be brought within the tax net.
Criticising the Punjab government, he claimed that billions are being spent on extravagant projects rather than addressing public issues, citing the chief minister’s purchase of an aircraft and the monthly maintenance costs running into millions. He said the authorities should lead by example before advising others on austerity.
Referring to the 18th amendment and the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, he said provinces are entitled to their share of resources, but Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has not received its due funds.
A new NFC Award, due in 2021, is yet to be finalised, and annual funds of Rs170 billion have not been provided to KP, he added.
He announced that the PTI has launched a nationwide movement for Khan’s release, the rule of law and the independence of judiciary, and urged the public to take part in what he termed a constitutional struggle.
He said the PTI stands with the armed forces, and respects the sacrifices of soldiers, adding that Pakistan’s role in regional peace efforts is commendable.
Terming the cases against Khan, including the £190 million case and the Toshakhana reference, as baseless, he said justice would prevail once the judiciaries would become independent.
He said that the government’s policies have damaged agriculture, alleging that farmers are being deprived of water and rights in Sindh and Punjab. The PTI has voiced its concerns over water distribution in Sindh, and would continue to stand with farmers, he added.
Rejecting the allegations regarding meetings involving Zulfi Bukhari and Qasim Khan with foreign leaders, he termed them baseless, and announced legal action against those making such claims.
He reiterated that allegations against Qasim Khan were false, saying that his speech is available on social media, and it has no objectionable content.
The PTI supports the GSP Plus framework because it relates to human rights commitments, he added, questioning if the state is fulfilling its constitutional obligations to citizens.
Sheikh said on the occasion that Karachi generates around 65 per cent of the country’s revenue, and 90 per cent of Sindh’s revenue, yet the city has been turned into a “ruin”.
Criticising the Pakistan Peoples Party’s 18-year rule in Sindh, he claimed that despite spending Rs30 trillion, no development has taken place, and corruption has increased.
He also claimed corruption worth billions, and wheat scandals amounting to Rs190 billion, saying that farmers are being denied their rights.
He said inflation has reached historic highs, pushing nearly half the population below the poverty line, while heavy levies on petroleum products are burdening the public. He claimed that the government has provided no relief, and warned that further inflationary pressure is expected.
He maintained that the PTI is the true representative of the people, and stands shoulder to shoulder with them. He said that a movement for Imran Khan’s release has been announced, and that people across Sindh would participate in the struggle for constitutional supremacy and true democracy.
He urged the media to highlight public issues, and act as the voice of the people, reiterating that the PTI would continue its struggle for the rights of the people at every level.
