ISLAMABAD – Former Federal Finance Minister and leader of the Awam Pakistan Party Miftah Ismail on Saturday claimed that Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman could become the Prime Minister for a year or a year and a half.
Miftah Ismail while talking to a local private TV said that there is at least no protest or violence, and it is good that the discussions were taking place.
“The negotiations should happen,” said the former finance minister.
Miftah Ismail stated that the only solution is to hold elections and seek the public’s opinion.
He added that very few politicians in Pakistan match the stature of Maulana Fazlur Rehman and that Maulana could potentially serve as Prime Minister for a year or a year and a half.
The former finance minister also commented on the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), saying that it could have been done but the government lacked the intent.
He mentioned that the stock market rose due to lower interest rates and that it would climb even higher, a trend in which the government had no role.
He criticized PM Shehbaz for not imposing taxes, failure to implement pension reforms and prioritizing the political interests over economic reforms.
Miftah Ismail also pointed out a 7 percent decline in imports, saying that the tax rate is currently very high. He warned that the investment could not increase unless the economic indicators improved.
