Speaking to journalists at Lahore’s Alhamra on Sunday, former finance minister Miftah Ismail predicted that voters would primarily lean towards Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan’s candidacies, forecasting a tough electoral battle in the upcoming polls. The disgruntled PML-N leader also commented on the Supreme Court’s verdict, calling it a “inappropriate decision” to strip the former ruling party of its iconic electoral symbol — the “bat” — before the general elections. He added that regardless of the top court’s ruling, the nation would still cast votes for those candidates.
In response to a query about the current privatization of state-owned businesses, the economist firmly advocated for the quick sale of government institutions that are losing money to the private sector. This would be advantageous for both the nation and the organizations that are operationally and economically paralyzed.
He asserted that if Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) were to be privatized, air travel rates would be reduced.
Ismail has denied media allegations later in December of last year that said he was joining the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).
The politician, who was unhappy, had said in June that he was quitting his roles as the general secretary of the PML-N in Sindh and the party in general.
After months of resentment over his dismissal and Ishaq Dar’s appointment as finance minister, the politician made the announcement.
In a letter to PML-N Secretary General Ahsan Iqbal, he tendered his resignation as party secretary.
Ismail has been publicly criticizing the present political system ever since he gave up his position as minister of finance. Much of his criticism has been directed on his successor, who has not been able to lead the nation out of its economic problems.
