Awami National Party (ANP) President Aimal Wali Khan on Sunday said that privatisation was the only viable solution to the persistent problems faced by state-owned institutions, 24NewsHD TV reported.
Addressing a ceremony in Peshawar, Aimal Wali Khan said that major public sector entities including Pakistan Steel Mills, Pakistan Railways, and the national airline, had been ruined due to mismanagement.
He argued that privatisation would not only improve efficiency but also generate additional tax revenue for the country.
“Privatisation is the solution to all these problems. The government should exercise authority, not engage in business,” the ANP chief said, while reiterating his party’s support for the privatisation process.
However, he emphasised that privatisation must be carried out transparently. “Non-transparent privatisation will not be acceptable,” he warned, adding that taxes were not being collected from nearly 140 businesses across the country.
Aimal Wali Khan further stated that government institutions should strictly perform the duties for which they were created, and called on the state to reassess its policies and ensure transparency in the privatisation process.
During his speech, he also remarked on internal party matters, saying that Ghulam Bilour had been, and would remain, a part of the Awami National Party.
He added that despite repeated attempts to weaken the party, the ANP had survived.
Commenting on refugee policy, the ANP chief said Afghans should not have been brought into the country, but added that if they were allowed to enter, they should not have been expelled in the current manner.