Accountability in Pakistan Questioned as Former PM Remains in Jail

Political commentator and former lawmaker Nadeem Afzal Chan has raised concerns about the scope of accountability in Pakistan, saying that the process has historically targeted politicians while sparing other influential sectors.

Speaking during a program on Hum News, Chan noted that even today a former prime minister remains behind bars, yet judges, generals, journalists, and media tycoons have not been subjected to the same level of accountability. He argued that unless all institutions and power centers are held to the same standards, the claim of across‑the‑board accountability cannot be justified.

Chan’s remarks reflect a broader debate in Pakistan about the fairness and consistency of accountability mechanisms. Critics have long argued that selective enforcement undermines public trust and fuels political instability. Supporters of reform insist that accountability must extend beyond elected officials to include all segments of society that wield influence.

The discussion comes at a time when questions about transparency, judicial independence, and institutional checks remain central to Pakistan’s political discourse. Chan emphasized that only when accountability is applied equally will people believe that justice is being served.