Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed has emphasized that negotiations for stability in the country must be sincere and decisive. He expressed his prayers for an end to the nation’s troubles, divisions, internal conflicts, and terrorism and wished for peace, economic improvement, and a reduction in hatred, saying that the time is not far when the country will progress.

Speaking on Aaj News’ show News Insight with Amir Zia, senior politician Sheikh Rasheed remarked that this Ramadan was unusually quiet. Businesses struggled, people changed their routines, and markets remained closed. He observed that in Moti Masjid, only three individuals sat for Itikaf, and cities remained eerily calm during Eid and Shab-e-Barat. He noted that many people were facing extreme hardships, with numerous individuals imprisoned, and prayed for their safe return to their homes.

Sheikh Rasheed pointed out that Karachi’s economic slowdown has now reached Rawalpindi, causing a severe downturn. He mentioned that Lal Haveli—his political stronghold—has been shut down, and major business hubs like Mochi Bazaar and Raja Bazaar are suffering. Where once 14 salesmen worked, now only four remain. He lamented that the nation has become divided and chaotic, adding that hypocrisy has reached such a level that people are willing to harm others for personal gain.

Sheikh Rasheed predicted that March, April, May, and June would be critical months for the country. He described the economic downturn, stating that markets and shops are empty. He shared an incident where a financially stable person asked him for PKR 15,000 just to pay his electricity bill after his meter was disconnected. “The poor have already left, but now even educated people are exhausted,” he added.

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He accused the government of failing to engage in serious negotiations to stabilize the country. “If the government is only interested in making noise for publicity, they can continue, but things will worsen in two or three months,” he warned. He also stated that nothing can happen without the establishment’s involvement, urging them to take constructive action for national stability.

He highlighted the struggles of small vendors and daily wage earners, saying, “Let the poor street vendors and fruit sellers live. Their households are in crisis.”

Sheikh Rasheed admitted that he had no solutions or suggestions to offer, but he foresaw a severe outcome given the current state of affairs. “The country is at the peak of instability. I have seen many difficult times, but never such hopelessness. There is no happiness, love, or compassion left among people,” he said.

Recalling his past, he mentioned that his first court-martial was ordered by Yahya Khan, leading to a year of rigorous imprisonment. He concluded by stating that Pakistan’s current situation is worse than even those days.