Experts discuss Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, global inflation, US midterm elections, economic challenges and the need for accountability and reforms.

By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Editor-in-Chief Pakistan Group of Newspapers and Chairman Roze News SK Niazi, while speaking in his renowned talk show Sachi Baat, said Pakistan had played an important role in reducing tensions between the United States and Iran. He said the conflict had affected the global economy, increased inflation and created challenges for Pakistan as well. He highlighted unemployment, weak exports, corruption and rising poverty as major domestic concerns, urging the government to take practical steps to provide relief to the public. He praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Mohsin Naqvi and Field Marshal for their efforts towards national development. He also called for caution in discussing defence matters and reiterated the need for establishing new provinces.

Economist Dr. Shahida Wazaret said the US decision to go to war with Iran could carry serious financial and political consequences. She warned that a prolonged conflict could increase oil prices, global inflation and Pakistan’s import bill. Criticising economic policies, she said successive governments had relied on IMF loans while the burden of taxes and rising prices fell mainly on ordinary citizens. She also highlighted industrial closures, unemployment and the widening gap between rich and poor. She called for reviewing government expenditure, official salaries and privileges, arguing that the ruling class should also share the burden of economic difficulties.

PML-N MNA Huma Akhtar Chughtai said political divisions in the United States could influence future policies, although an immediate major change in Pakistan-US relations was unlikely. She credited coordination among the Prime Minister, Field Marshal and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar for diplomatic progress. On accountability, she said parliamentarians and government officials should disclose their assets, businesses and sources of income. She stressed that transparency and equal accountability were essential, while business activities alongside public office should be permitted only where no conflict of interest existed.

Defence Analyst Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Ijaz Mahmood Malik said US midterm elections provided an opportunity to assess the performance of the government and opposition, with healthcare and economic policies among key public concerns. He said political changes might influence American strategy but were unlikely to bring an immediate operational shift. Regarding Iran, he said the initial US objectives had not been achieved and warned that further escalation could increase the risk of a global recession. He stressed that negotiations, a ceasefire and implementation of previous agreements were essential to prevent further destruction, Malik also called for independent institutions, transparent legislation and effective accountability. He urged verification of candidates’ declared assets and election returns, stressing that laws should serve public interests rather than political gains.