KARACHI: Central Secretary General of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Salman Akram Raja, stated on Monday that the prevailing systemic oppression in the country will collapse the moment the nation decides to no longer accept a life of subjugation.
Addressing a press conference at the Karachi Press Club alongside Mohammad Zubair, the economic spokesperson for the Movement to Protect the Constitution of Pakistan, Raja painted a grim picture of the country’s current state. He remarked that courts and parliament have been reduced to mere “shams,” turning the country into a virtual prison.
Economic Failure and Rising Poverty
Former Governor of Sindh, Mohammad Zubair, expressed deep concern over the deteriorating economic indicators. Citing government reports, he highlighted that the living standards of 80% of the population have plummeted, with a similar percentage forced to cut back on essential food items due to skyrocketing inflation.
“In the last three years, 30 million people have fallen below the poverty line,” Zubair noted. He criticized the Special Investment Council (SIFC), stating that despite its formation to attract capital, foreign investment has actually dropped by 50%. He further alleged that investment from the US and Middle East is stagnant because of the lack of rule of law.
Accountability and Scams
Zubair demanded transparency regarding NAB’s claims of recovering Rs 5,300 billion, asking who the money was recovered from. He also pointed out massive financial scandals, including:
- Wheat Scam: Rs 300 billion loss.
- Sugar Scam: Rs 300 billion loss.
- Petroleum Smuggling: Rs 300 billion worth of products being smuggled, as admitted by the Petroleum Minister.
On Privatization and Civil Liberties
Salman Akram Raja addressed the privatization of PIA, stating that while PTI supports the move in principle, they oppose the exploitation of workers and demand complete transparency in the process.
Regarding political restrictions, Raja condemned the police crackdown and harassment of vendors providing equipment for PTI rallies despite having official NOCs. He emphasized that Article 15 of the Constitution guarantees freedom of movement, yet this right is being systematically snatched away.
“The struggle for public rights and freedom is inevitable,” Raja concluded, reiterating that the power to end this era of coercion lies with the people’s resolve.
