Sheikh Rashid Predicts Tough Times in 2025

Islamabad, January 8, 2025: Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rashid Ahmed predicted on Wednesday that the New Year would bring more difficulties for the people of Pakistan, with no major changes on the horizon. Speaking to the media outside an anti-terrorism court (ATC), the former interior minister warned that the year ahead would be filled with challenges for everyone and that those hoping for significant political or economic shifts would be disappointed.

“There will be no major change in 2025,” Sheikh Rashid said, adding that the coming year would be even harder than the last. He urged the country’s elite class to show compassion towards the poor, who are already struggling under difficult circumstances.

“The poor are suffering, and I appeal to the elites to forgive them for their struggles. They are already enduring tough times,” he remarked.

The AML chief also commented on the ongoing talks between the government and opposition parties, questioning the effectiveness of negotiations. He pointed out that if the opposition leaders, who could not even arrange a meeting with PTI founder Imran Khan while he was in jail, could not manage such discussions, it was unlikely that they would be able to reach any meaningful conclusions.

Sheikh Rashid also dismissed the possibility of a commission being formed by the government to investigate the incidents of May 9 and November 26, 2024, as demanded by PTI. “The government committee will not form any such commission, as decisions regarding these matters are made elsewhere,” he said, hinting at the influence of non-political powers in decision-making processes.