Faisalabad: Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has made a bold assertion, claiming that half of the senators in the country secured their positions through monetary means.
Speaking at the Faisalabad District Bar, Abbasi criticized the absence of rule of law and its impact on the nation’s progress. “Without adherence to the Constitution and the law, economic development is impossible,” he stated.
Abbasi pointed to historical and current issues, saying, “We disrespected the mandate of East Pakistan, which led to the loss of half the country. I knew even before the elections that they would be rigged, which is why I did not participate. I firmly stand by my claim that 50% of the senators got their seats through bribery. I made it clear to my party that we support the ‘Respect the Vote’ narrative.”
He blamed electoral fraud as the root cause of the country’s problems. “A nation where elections are stolen and public opinion is disregarded cannot progress. Constitutional amendments are made in the dead of night, eroding public trust,” Abbasi said.
Commenting on judicial reforms, Abbasi criticized the 26th Amendment, which, according to him, placed judicial appointments under administrative control. “As long as this amendment exists, the justice system will remain flawed. Bar associations must raise their voices against this injustice,” he urged.
The former Prime Minister also emphasized the need for accountability across all institutions. “Judges, bureaucrats, and everyone else must be questioned about their tax contributions. In our country, the government and opposition hurl abuses at each other; one side attacks the capital while the other retaliates with bullets,” he lamented.
Abbasi’s remarks highlight the pressing need for reforms in governance and the electoral system to address systemic issues plaguing the nation.
