Ishaq Dar, former finance minister and leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), addressed rumors surrounding the party’s stance on the 18th Constitutional Amendment.
Denying any decisions made by the PML-N regarding the amendment, Dar emphasized that the party’s manifesto committee, led by Irfan Siddiqui, had not received specific instructions on this matter. Dar recalled his active role in the 18th amendment, highlighting the collaborative efforts between the PML-N and the People’s Party under the Charter of Democracy. He underscored the importance of civil-military relations and judicial reforms in their objectives.
Speaking about the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, Dar advocated for periodic reviews, citing the need for revision every five years as per the constitution. He shared insights into the previous NFC review in 2009, noting a reduction in the federal government’s collective charge from five percent to one percent.
Dar also stressed the real challenges facing Pakistan, including human resource development, health, education, skill development, water, and population. He expressed concerns about the closure of 3,500 schools in Balochistan due to a shortage of teachers, emphasizing the need for effective governance in provincial sectors.