Former Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, in a recent interview on a private TV program acknowledged the possibility of forming a government with the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) again in the absence of a clear majority after the upcoming elections. He said, “We formed a government with PDM for 16 months, and while we couldn’t control inflation, the experience was positive.”
Dar urged people to go out for vote
Dar emphasized the importance of public participation in the upcoming elections. “People should go out and vote,” he urged. “If we don’t get a two-thirds majority, at least give us a simple majority. That way, we can work in peace and with every political force, but our foundation shouldn’t be weak.” He added, “If we have to form a government with PDM again, we will do so. The goal is the betterment of Pakistan.”
We will try not to go to the IMF
Despite expressing confidence in PML-N’s ability to tackle Pakistan’s economic challenges, Dar acknowledged the difficulty of avoiding the International Monetary Fund (IMF) entirely. “After forming the government, we will try not to go to the IMF, but it’s a very difficult decision,” he admitted. Drawing a comparison to his previous term as finance minister from 2013 to 2017, he said, “We rescued Pakistan, then considered internationally macro-economically unstable, in four years. But things weren’t as difficult in 2013 as they are now. We have to try three times harder this time.”
PML-N’s Economic Plans
Highlighting his economic plans, Dar stated, “We will try to increase GDP, create jobs, and run the economy efficiently. We also aim to bring inflation down to single digits and reduce the current 22% interest rate, which hinders business growth.”
Past Controversies
Addressing past controversies, Dar defended PML-N’s seat adjustment with Ghulam Sarwar, stating, “It was an unpleasant decision, but sometimes necessary to fight bigger evils.” He also commended Justice Aijaz Ul Ahsan’s resignation and Justice Qazi Faiz Isa’s decision not to grant the bat symbol to PTI.
Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif
Finally, Dar assured that even if he doesn’t hold the finance minister position in a potential PML-N government, he will dedicate himself to improving Pakistan’s economy. He also confirmed that in case of victory, PML-N will nominate Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif as the Prime Minister.
–Shehzad khan