ABBOTTABAD (Hamdullah): Former Speaker of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly and current MPA, Mushtaq Ahmed Ghani, has expressed grave concern over the current leadership’s efforts regarding the release of Imran Khan, stating that there is currently no leader within the Tehreek-i-Insaf effectively mobilising for this cause.
Speaking at a Labour Day ceremony organised by the PTI Labour Wing at the Abbottabad Press Club, Ghani remarked that there is no official call from the party leadership for Khan’s release. He noted that while he and others visit Adiala Jail every Tuesday at the call of Halima Bibi, those who raise empty slogans are nowhere to be seen, including opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai.
Addressing the economic and political climate, Mushtaq Ahmed Ghani stated that the country has been hit by a storm of inflation following the “regime change.” He criticised the government for failing to implement the minimum wage in industries and urged both federal and provincial authorities to ensure its enforcement. He highlighted that during the COVID-19 pandemic, Imran Khan’s “smart lockdown” policy kept industries running, which directly benefited the labour class. He also lamented the current state of shelter homes, which were originally built to provide dignity to labourers but have seen significant changes since the shift in government.
The former Speaker further criticised the current administration’s economic policies, pointing to a system of triple taxation as the primary driver of inflation affecting 90% of the population. He mocked the government’s approach to revenue, mentioning taxes on cow dung in Punjab and the proposal to tax solar systems, jokingly suggesting that air might be taxed next. He noted that while global tensions like the conflict between America and Iran exist, the domestic system in Pakistan is being uniquely destroyed by incompetent rulers.
Other speakers, including Hina Advocate and Zakir-ur-Rehman, also addressed the gathering. Hina Advocate pointed out the irony that on a day dedicated to workers, everyone except the labourers is on leave. She demanded that workers’ salaries be paid in accordance with official government announcements to alleviate their difficult living conditions. Mushtaq Ahmed Ghani concluded by reiterating his loyalty to Imran Khan, stating that he will not back down from any movement and will continue to show up for his leader every Tuesday.
