Khaqan Abbasi urges political reform, says 'Rule of law essential for economic stability'

Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has said that no country can achieve economic progress or political stability in the absence of the rule of law. Speaking at a seminar organised by Pakistan Concerned Citizens and PMA House, Abbasi remarked that while the number of politicians has increased, their quality has deteriorated.

Abbasi, highlighting his long association with public welfare, noted, "Where there is no rule of law, neither the economy thrives nor political stability prevails," he said. He emphasised that politics requires education, life experience and participation in the political process, lamenting that many in parliament today are not there to serve.

He further said that Pakistan's constitution provides solutions to all problems, but the will to implement those solutions is missing. Former Finance Minister Dr Miftah Ismail, addressing the seminar, said that governance is based on a social contract between rulers and the people — one that requires leaders to adhere to the law.

Miftah drew attention to the alarming fact that 27 million children in Pakistan are out of school despite provinces having sufficient resources. He criticised superficial projects, remarking, "Maryam Nawaz inaugurates a new scheme every day, but what we truly need are fundamental reforms."

Responding to claims of discrimination in Sindh, he said urban residents often feel marginalised but rarely understand the realities of rural Sindh. "If they saw life outside Karachi, they would realise there is no discrimination - only shared deprivation," he noted.