PAT Organizes National Dialogue on Key Issues

Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) organized a special dialogue on pressing national issues. Participants emphasized that the rapidly increasing population, recurring floods, and unpredictable rainfall are causing a decline in agricultural and industrial output, posing serious threats to national security. It was stressed that administrative reforms, including the creation of new provinces and the establishment of empowered local government institutions, are vital to address these challenges effectively.

While addressing the session, PAT Secretary General Khurram Nawaz Gandapur stated that while the crises are becoming more severe, the debates in parliament remain increasingly meaningless and disconnected from ground realities.

Central PAT leaders including Khurram Nawaz Gandapur, Raja Muhammad Zahid, Mian Zahid-ul-Islam, Mian Rehan Maqbool, Noorullah Siddiqi, Muhammad Arif Chaudhry, and Sardar Umar Daraz Khan shared their views during the discussion. Also present were Engineer Muhammad Rafiq Najam, Allama Rana Muhammad Idrees, Brig. (R) Umar Hayat, and Jawad Hamid.

Khurram Nawaz Gandapur presented several suggestions for resolving the issues. He called for the immediate establishment of constitutionally empowered and financially autonomous local governments. He emphasized the need to decentralize authority and empower grassroots representatives so that the benefits of government policies reach the lowest levels of society. He lamented the lack of long-term strategic planning and said that even when policies are formed, they fail due to a non-functional government infrastructure and sluggish bureaucracy.

Mian Rehan Maqbool noted that "the storm has already crossed our doorstep," warning that without political stability, these national challenges cannot be overcome. He reiterated the importance of local governments and new administrative provinces.

Mian Zahid-ul-Islam expressed that international organizations and climate experts had been warning for over a decade about the seriousness of global warming, but instead of addressing these concerns, authorities have allowed commercial activities within water channels, pushing large populations toward displacement and death.

Raja Zahid Mahmood emphasized that had there been rule of law and policy continuity, countless innocent Pakistani lives could have been saved. He called political and democratic stability, along with consistent policies, absolutely essential.

Noorullah Siddiqi stressed that there is still time to adopt an emergency-level, serious strategy to tackle climate change, overpopulation, and poor governance. He urged the parliament to fulfill its responsibility in this regard.

Deputy Secretary Arif Chaudhry pointed out that due to the unserious attitude of politicians and bureaucracy, the problems are worsening rather than improving. He called for equitable use of national resources and a halt to superficial development claims and excessive media campaigns.

Sardar Umar Daraz Khan stated that every single penny should be spent on the safety and welfare of the common man. He called for a policy of zero tolerance toward corruption and violations of merit.

At the end of the dialogue, deep sorrow and grief were expressed over the loss of lives and property due to floods and torrential rains. Prayers were offered for the deceased, and condolences were extended to the bereaved families.