Political leaders and economist discuss accountability, law and order, tax reforms and economic stability

By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Editor-in-Chief Pakistan Group of Newspapers and Chairman Roze News SK Niazi, while talking in his renowned talk show Sachi Baat, said that money transferred abroad should be brought back and questioned why the state was not taking action against those transferring money out of Pakistan. He stressed that accountability should not be limited to PTI leaders and that corruption investigations should cover leaders of all political parties. He welcomed the emerging consensus on national issues, said new provinces would be established and emphasised that government decisions must be implemented to bring improvement. He also expressed hope that Pakistan would be freed from the usury system.

MNA PPP Shahida Rahmani said the PPP believed in negotiations and that the doors to dialogue should remain open. She said Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and the PPP leadership had played important roles in keeping negotiations alive. Governor’s Rule or emergency had been considered under difficult circumstances, while future decisions would depend on the situation and constitutional provisions. She stressed that PTI leadership should cooperate in counterterrorism operations and that restoring peace and ending public suffering in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa must remain priorities.
Shahida Rahmani said accountability should extend to members of all political parties and that money transferred abroad should be investigated. She expressed concern over industrial closures, expensive electricity and the impact of energy prices on agriculture and businesses. Raising questions about tax collection and FBR performance, she called for effective measures against tax evasion and accountability for institutions failing to meet revenue targets. She said the tax system should be simplified for businesses and that all political parties should work together on economic stability, terrorism and national issues. She also stressed the need for a Charter of Economy and long-term policies for industrial and agricultural development.

MNA PML-N Shaista Jadoon said NAB was working within its powers and that national interests should be prioritised over political affiliations. She called for clarification of outstanding questions and investigation into alleged financial transfers and funding abroad, expressing hope that the FIA would examine the matter. She said restoring peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa required effective strategies, stronger police and CTD, and Safe City projects. Practical measures were needed rather than announcements, and public claims about relief should be assessed against ground realities. She hoped the situation would improve during the six-month period of Governor’s Rule and stressed that protecting people’s lives and property must be the top priority.

Economist Usman Shaukat said the business community faced serious difficulties due to the tax system, high electricity and gas prices, and rising production costs. He said tax reforms were a major demand of businesses and called for balanced policies that would allow businesses to operate and survive. Small traders needed tax relief, while effective measures were required to expand the tax net and improve revenue collection.
Usman Shaukat said expensive energy was affecting domestic industries, including the pharmaceutical sector, and Pakistan’s energy prices should be reviewed against those in regional countries. He stressed that investment and economic stability required a sustainable economic policy and a Charter of Economy. Political parties should develop a unified, long-term strategy for industry and exports, set aside political differences on national economic issues, and work together to restore investor confidence.