Sharif family’s political power nearing its end: Miftah

HYDERABAD
Former Finance Minister Miftah Ismail has stated that the Sharif family’s political power is nearing its end, claiming they are now merely “taking the last gasps of power.”
He emphasized that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has abandoned its core narrative of respecting the vote.
Ismail pointed to the rise of the Sharif family’s political dominance, where at one point, both Nawaz Sharif’s daughter and brother held the office of Prime Minister. However, he argued that their hold on power has now weakened.
Speaking to a private TV Channel, Ismail criticized Imran Khan’s decision to confront the military instead of focusing on the political parties.
He said, “Imran Khan made the wrong decision by fighting the army. He should have fought the political parties.
If you think you can snatch the government by taking on the army that will not work. Political battles should be fought within the political arena.”
Ismail also expressed concern about the government’s performance, noting that the delivery to the people has been abysmal, leading to an increase in poverty.
He pointed to a tragic incident in which children lost their lives in a boat accident due to lack of employment opportunities. “Why can’t we give jobs to our children?” he questioned, adding that while some change is happening, its direction remains uncertain.
Regarding the current government, Ismail commented that it lacks a strong mandate and is struggling with a very short tenure. “The government is just a face, and it remains to be seen how long this face will last,” he said.
Former Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry also appeared on the program, expressing that ending the political circle of power in Pakistan is not just Imran Khan’s responsibility.
He argued that it is crucial for the people to demand their rights and push for an end to this political cycle. “If the people do not rise for their rights, then only Imran Khan should remain in jail,” said Chaudhry, referring to Khan’s ongoing legal battles.
Chaudhry highlighted that 80 percent of the population stands with Imran Khan, with the current government only in power due to the ongoing conflict between Khan and the establishment.
He claimed that political figures like Nawaz Sharif, Shehbaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz, and Asif Zardari have no political credibility, and their hold on power is primarily due to this conflict. He also pointed out that the PTI leadership has struggled to form significant political alliances in the current situation.
Chaudhry stressed that while the role of the establishment should be limited and the judiciary should be restored to independence, PTI cannot achieve this on its own. He expressed disappointment with Imran Khan’s leadership, criticizing the party’s inability to unite and lead effectively.
The political situation in Pakistan remains highly complex, with ongoing debates about leadership, power dynamics, and the country’s future direction.