Miftah Ismail's Solutions for Pakistan: Why Now and Not Before? | Asad Aijaz Podcast

In this episode of the Asad Aijaz Podcast, we welcome Miftah Ismail, the Former Finance Minister of Pakistan and Secretary of Awaam Pakistan Party. Miftah shares his insights on the critical economic and political issues Pakistan faces today, discussing his proposed solutions and explaining why these changes are necessary now. We also delve into the journey of Awaam Pakistan Party, challenges in the political landscape, his thoughts on local governance, educational reforms, and Pakistan’s potential within international alliances like BRICS. Join us for this enlightening conversation to understand what Pakistan needs to overcome its current struggles. Podcast Timecodes: 0:00 – Podcast Highlights 0:51 – Introduction to Miftah Ismail, Former Finance Minister & Secretary of Awaam Pakistan Party 1:58 – Why the recent IMF Program Will Not be the last, despite Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif's claim 3:31 – What Miftah Ismail did to improve Pakistan's economic condition as Finance Minister 6:05 – Why Miftah Ismail was removed from the Finance Ministry by Nawaz Sharif 9:36 – Rising Petrol Prices when Miftah was Finance Minister but not now—why? 13:06 – Despite reduced petrol prices and a thriving stock exchange, why does inflation still persist? 21:00 – Actual issues facing Pakistanis: The privileged upper class thrives while others suffer 28:23 – Pakistan needs a dramatic system change 29:56 – Empowering local government as a solution 32:46 – Educational reforms as a necessity 38:49 – India established IITs post-independence, while Pakistan kept changing Prime Ministers 39:46 – How the new Awaam Pakistan Party aims to make an impact and bring change 42:53 – Is Pakistan’s Establishment behind Awaam Pakistan Party? 44:21 – Were the 2024 Elections fair? Comparisons to 2018 and 2013 elections 46:30 – How would disappointed voters vote now? 48:33 – U-Turns by PTI and PML-N 50:15 – Is imprisoning Imran Khan justified? 51:08 – Satisfaction with the current government’s performance? 52:37 – Any regrets about the Vote of No Confidence against Imran Khan? 58:37 – Being acquitted from the LNG Terminal case; were Miftah and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi beneficiaries of regime change? 1:01:52 – Did Miftah receive offers to join PTI after leaving PML-N? 1:04:39 – Opportunities for Pakistan in BRICS; will joining be beneficial? 1:08:46 – CPEC and China's response to Pakistan’s requests for more loans 1:10:15 – Burden of interest payments from the budget and lack of progress in ending the interest-based economy 1:16:48 – Why claims of abolishing the interest-based system by 2028 are misleading, according to Miftah 1:21:54 – The success story of Ismail Industries and the rise of Cocomo 1:24:23 – Why Karachi’s industries and infrastructure are neglected by PML-N, PTI, and PPP 1:32:18 – Advice for the disheartened youth of Pakistan 1:35:49 – Outro Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you enjoyed this episode! Let us know in the comments which part resonated with you the most. Follow Us: YouTube: youtube.com/AsadAijaz Facebook: www.facebook.com/AsadAijazOfficial Instagram: www.instagram.com/asadaijazofficial/ Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@asadtoks DISCLAIMER: The information provided in the Asad Aijaz Podcast, across all platforms including Facebook, YouTube, and others, is for general informational purposes only. Our guests make statements in good faith, and we upload content with the same intent. However, we do not guarantee the accuracy, validity, or completeness of any information presented by our guests. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Asad Aijaz Podcast. These views are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or entity. Content provided in our podcasts and videos does not imply endorsement or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service. Viewers should conduct their own due diligence and consult appropriate professionals before taking any action based on the information presented. Asad Aijaz and the podcast team accept no responsibility for any direct, indirect, implied, special, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from the use of information provided in our videos. We aim to respect all individuals and communities and do not intend to create rumours, offend any religion, community, or individual, or disrespect any person, living or deceased. #MiftahIsmail #Podcast #AsadAijazPodcast #PakistaniEconomy #IMFProgram #AwaamPakistanParty #FinanceMinister #PakistanPolitics #SystemChange #CPEC #BRICS #EducationalReform #LocalGovernment #InterestFreeEconomy #KarachiDevelopment #YouthInPakistan #PoliticalChange