LAHORE(National times)- Former Finance Minister Miftah Ismail stated that matters would not improve until powers are transferred to the grassroots level while emphasizing that if decentralization is not possible, then new provinces should be created. Speaking during a panel discussion on social sector development on the second day of the Indus Conclave, Miftah Ismail remarked that while faces in Pakistan have changed, development has not. He stressed that if governance is not functioning properly, then it must be reformed. “Pakistan has not been running well for a long time. The government has never truly delivered, nor provided quality education or healthcare.”

27 Million Children Out of School

The former finance minister highlighted that in the past six years, taxes have increased while income has declined. “There are 27 million children out of school — 11 million in Punjab and 7 million in Sindh.” He added that since 2019, Pakistan’s Human Development Index has dropped by six points. “The government collects taxes but fails to provide basic services. We have failed in education and healthcare. India and Bangladesh have surpassed us. Purchasing power in Pakistan is declining rapidly.”

Police System Is Broken

He said that over the past three years, the nation has become poorer. “We are regressing compared to every country. Our police system is broken. We have the highest electricity and gas rates in the region. Major companies are exiting Pakistan.” Miftah Ismail also criticized the focus of government advertising: “Leaders dominate advertisements, but there’s never a campaign on population control. He reiterated Pakistan’s governance has failed — the structure itself is broken and needs reform.”