Former FBR Chief Shabbar Zaidi has suggested shifting Pakistan’s capital from Islamabad to Lahore, calling for a complete reset of the country’s political and administrative system. He made the remarks during the launch of his autobiography “32 Anker Road” held in Lahore.
Speaking at the event, the Former FBR Chief admitted that despite his sincere efforts, he was unable to bring major reforms during his tenure at the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). Zaidi said the current system needs fundamental change rather than temporary fixes.
He also called for a ban on religious political parties, arguing that Lahore — once known as a center for liberal and progressive thought — has lost much of its intellectual and cultural diversity over the years.
Several participants at the event, including journalists and economists, praised Zaidi for his honest and critical assessment of Pakistan’s economic and governance issues. They described his book as a courageous account of challenges faced by the country’s institutions and policymakers.
Veteran journalist Husain Naqi said democracy in Pakistan is facing difficult times. Meanwhile, former State Bank governor and ex-Punjab finance minister Shahid Hafeez Kardar blamed the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for deep-rooted structural problems. Kardar stressed the urgent need for genuine tax and governance reforms within the FBR.
Zaidi’s remarks about moving the capital have sparked discussion among political and economic analysts. Islamabad has been Pakistan’s capital since the 1960s, replacing Karachi. Experts note that shifting the capital again would involve massive administrative, financial, and legal challenges, making the proposal largely symbolic.
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However, many observers believe the Former FBR Chief’s comments reflect growing frustration with centralization and bureaucratic inefficiency in Pakistan’s federal structure. Lahore, as the country’s cultural and historical heart, continues to play a key role in political and intellectual debate, making it a natural focal point for such discussions.
