Analyst Muhammad Hanif Says Government Faces Pressure Over Inflation and Imran Khan Issue
ISLAMABAD:Prominent analyst Muhammad Hanif has said the government is engaged in addressing major international issues but continues to face challenges in dealing with two major domestic issues — inflation and the political situation surrounding former prime minister Imran Khan.
In a video blog for BBC Punjabi, Hanif discussed the situation surrounding Imran Khan, saying that no photograph of the PTI founder has emerged from prison during the past three years because of restrictions imposed by the state. He also referred to previous instances in which, despite court orders, Khan was taken to a government hospital for a brief visit before being returned to prison.
Hanif said seven former Australian cricket captains had appealed on humanitarian grounds for Khan to be treated fairly, receive appropriate medical examinations and be allowed to meet his family. He added that several prominent cricket figures and former captains had previously spoken publicly about Khan’s rights and release, while his sons had also expressed concerns internationally about their father’s security and health.
According to Hanif, before his imprisonment, Imran Khan had placed considerable confidence in the strength of his supporters and expected large numbers of people to take to the streets in protest. He said, however, that several important party leaders and advisers distanced themselves at an early stage, while ordinary workers who participated in protests faced arrests, violence and criminal cases.
He said internal differences and frustration were now also being observed within PTI ranks.
Hanif noted that PTI had once again announced a proposed long march for **September 27**. He said the government had already adopted a firm position, announcing that it would not allow protests in Islamabad.
He claimed that whenever PTI leaders became active in preparations for the march, police blockades and operations were initiated in various locations. At the same time, opposition leaders had warned the government that it could face public anger.
The analyst argued that regardless of how active the government presents itself on international affairs, it continues to face major domestic challenges, particularly the economic difficulties associated with inflation and the political issue surrounding Imran Khan.
He said rising living costs, food insecurity and employment difficulties were adding to public frustration, while the imprisonment of a major political leader was also contributing to political tensions.
Hanif said that if the government was unwilling to show flexibility on the issue of political prisoners, it should at least take urgent steps to address the economic difficulties facing ordinary citizens.
