Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) senior leader and seasoned politician Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has warned of the possibility of martial law in Pakistan, citing political polarisation and economic crisis.
Speaking on Dawn News‘ English show ‘Spotlight’, Khaqan said that the country “has never witnessed a more severe economic and political situation before. In much less severe circumstances the military has taken over.”
The former Prime Minister (PM) hoped that the military isn’t considering taking over Pakistan, however, he said that “when they are left with no choice then the old famous speech, ‘mere aiziz hum watno’, if you read the situation today it’s a complete script for a speech like that.”
He clarified that if the army were to take over, it would make things worse instead of doing any good.
“When the system fails, when there is no interaction between the institutions, and when there is a conflict between them, then martial law always remains a possibility”, he said.
He stressed the importance of dialogue and strong leadership but stated that the environment has become so toxic that even the parliament doesn’t discuss national issues.
According to him, elections are not the kind of solution they used to be in the past.
Pointing out that dialogues were supposed to have a purpose, Abbasi stated if they benefited only one political party, they would defeat their purpose. “If the intent is just to decide a date for the elections or the political benefits of one, it’s not a proper dialogue.”
“Dialogue in media is all about abusing each other”, said the politician.
According to him, it is unfortunate that his own party isn’t ready for dialogue. He said that he fears today that even the “youth has become delusional with this whole system” adding that Pakistanis themselves don’t recognise the potential of their country.
At the last, he again stressed the responsibility of leadership, and that they should try to step in.
