Political system ‘incapable’ of solving problems: Abbasi

Ex-PM says situation can’t improve by putting each other behind bars

KARACHI:

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi regretted that the political system no longer had the competence to solve the country's issues.

“The economic situation, which is undergoing a historic crunch, can't be improved by putting each other behind the bars,” the former prime minister said while addressing a news conference. Abbasi was flanked by former senator and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) member Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar.

Instead, a commission should be formed that ascertains the elements responsible for economic deterioration, he suggested.

Abbasi said that he had no idea about the deterioration of Pakistan's economy until PML-N came to power.

"All of us are responsible for finding the solution to the issues of the country as we belong to different political parties," he added.

The former premier said that there was "interference of establishment" in politics which created instability in the democratic system.

Moreover, the PML-N leader reiterated that all was well between him and the party and country's interest was their priority.

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Criticising the country's anti-graft watchdog, Abbasi said that the governments don't last due to the presence of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

“How many politicians NAB held accountable?” he asked.

"The institutions are not working within their constitutional limits," Abbasi said.

While speaking about Friday's attack on the Karachi Police Office, the former premier said that the country had faced such unfortunate incidents and challenges earlier as well.

He said that these challenges had to be countered now as well.

Abbasi challenges NAB 'either to acquit or convict us'

He said that the PML-N had been facing the cases and he doesn't want to end the cases against him.

"I challenge NAB to hold hearings on a daily basis and either acquit us or convict us," he said.

Abbasi said the accountability agency asked him every type of question but not whether he pays taxes or not.

"If [anyone] wants to do the accountability then the tax system itself clears the situation," Abbasi added.

'Terrorism rearing head'

Meanwhile, Khokhar said, "Terrorism is rearing its head, which is the failure of political parties."

He said that all-party conference couldn't be held on the audacious suicide attack on the Peshawar Police Lines mosque.

"Is there any single institution in the country that can fulfil its constitutional responsibility," he asked. He added that it was high time that they discussed the issues together.