Islamabad – Leaders of the National Dialogue Committee (NDC) on Wednesday declared the current government a complete failure in the areas of governance, economy, security, and public welfare. They also demanded immediate resignation of President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his government, announcing that a “National Unity Government” should be formed in the country until new elections are held.
Former Sindh Governor Imran Ismail, former federal ministers Fawad Chaudhry and Muhammad Ali Durrani, former Information Advisor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, Mahmood Molvi, and other leaders addressed a joint press conference at the National Press Club. They stated that for the sake of Pakistan’s security, stability, and economic development, the departure of the current system is in the national interest.
Imran Ismail said that Pakistan is passing through a sensitive period of internal and external challenges. He stated that the Pakistan Armed Forces, under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, have played a magnificent role in the war against India and for global peace, but because of the current rulers, these achievements are creating an impression of failure due to internal problems and economic deterioration, which is not in the interest of the country, the nation, or its institutions. He added that while political differences have their place, acknowledging and taking pride in national achievements as a nation is a fundamental requirement of patriotism.Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif said that the rulers have completely failed to utilize the recognition Pakistan has received globally for the sake of peace, stability, and development within the country. He expressed extreme concern over the increasing incidents of terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, stating that a comprehensive national strategy is inevitable for the elimination of terrorism, the promotion of investment, and economic stability. He noted that political instability and a decline in public trust in the leadership are making the country’s problems more complex.
Mahmood Molvi said that major cities of the country, including Karachi, are suffering from basic civic issues, and the public is not being provided the necessary relief. He warned that if immediate attention is not paid to wheat and flour policy, the country could face a food crisis. He urged political parties to prioritize national interest, rise above their differences, and make joint efforts to solve public issues.
Fawad Chaudhry criticized the federal budget, saying that the government has failed to bring economic stability.
According to him, inflation, unemployment, and rising prices of essential commodities have increased the difficulties of the public, while farmers, industrialists, traders, and the salaried class are under severe pressure. He stated that due to the current political divide, major national development projects are being affected, and the country requires a broad national consensus for economic recovery.
Senior politician Muhammad Ali Durrani said that immediate and effective steps are inevitable to steer the country out of the political, economic, and security crises it faces. He demanded that the Prime Minister and the President resign from their positions, the National Assembly be dissolved, and new general elections be held so that the public gets the opportunity to elect their representative leadership. He remarked that for the first time in history, the federal government has presented a budget by cutting provincial funds, which is a clear proof of economic ruin. He added that this situation is an alarm bell for national security, and the rulers are using the budget cuts to pursue their own politics among the public, defaming institutions, and dumping the blame for their failures onto those institutions.
