RECORDER REPORT

ISLAMABAD: Former Prime Minister and Awam Pakistan Party (APP) chairman Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Wednesday criticised the current government, saying it is unfortunate that “oppressive” laws are being enacted under the guise of democracy.

Speaking at a news conference, he lambasted the government for making tough laws to stifle opposition rallies.

“True democracy is lacking in Pakistan’s capital,” he lamented, adding that members of the National Assembly and Senate are now answerable only to a local SHO, and that political parties are subordinating themselves to police officers and deputy commissioners.

The former prime minister, while referring to the recent PTI rally in Islamabad, he said despite the rally was outside the federal capital, the government blocked large sections of the city.

Questioning the nature of the democracy in practice, he criticised the speeches delivered at the PTI rally, describing them as full of accusations and insults rather than addressing public concerns.

He expressed disappointment at the language used by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur, adding that such conduct undermines democratic values.

Abbasi also stated that leaders in responsible positions should choose their words carefully, as their statements are closely observed by the people.