Ex-PM urges provincial and federal governments to act after Gul Plaza tragedy, stresses public accountability
Karachi, Pakistan – Web Desk: Former Prime Minister and Awami Pakistan Party leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has said that handing Karachi over to the federal government will not resolve the city’s chronic issues. Speaking after visiting the Gul Plaza site and at Karachi Press Club, Abbasi described the tragedy as a result of government failures, highlighting 1,200 burnt shops and countless losses in the city.
Abbasi emphasized that both the provincial and federal governments must play their roles to provide relief to victims and prevent future disasters. He criticized the proposal to transfer Karachi to federal control, stating that the federal government is not responsible for running cities and that issues like water supply, roads, and urban infrastructure remain unaddressed. He stressed that constitutional amendments should involve public consultation, warning that bypassing citizen voices undermines governance.
On international matters, Abbasi questioned the hurried participation in the Gaza Council of Peace, citing potential costs of $1 billion for membership and stressing that citizens must be informed about the terms. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s sympathy with Palestine but urged transparency before committing public funds.
