ISLAMABAD: Former leaders of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) officially launched a new political party called Awaam Pakistan on Saturday, declaring it open for all to join.
The political party was launched by Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Miftah Ismail, who served as prime minister and finance minister receptively, along with other PMLN dissident leaders including former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister Sardar Mehtab Abbasi.
Last month, a teaser of Awaam Pakistan surfaced on social media with the tagline ‘Awaam Pakistan: Badlein ge nizam’ (People of Pakistan: We will change the system).
Addressing At the launching ceremony in Islamabad, Miftah Ismail outlined the party’s vision, emphasizing equal economic opportunities for all Pakistanis. He rejected hereditary politics and the idea of a messiah-like figure, pledging that senior party members would serve no more than two terms and ensuring no dynasties would form.
Ismail lamented Pakistan’s decline across various sectors, noting its lag behind other countries in South Asia and even globally in human development indicators. He criticized the state of education, poverty levels, and malnutrition affecting millions of Pakistanis.
“There was a time not too long ago when Pakistan led South Asia in wealth, but now we lag behind,” he said, pointing out that Pakistan even trails Nepal in human development.
“Pakistan has the highest number of out-of-school children globally, surpassing even larger nations like China,” he added. “Despite spending between Rs1.5 trillion and Rs2 trillion on education, we still rank behind Sudan, Yemen, Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and others.”
Ismail noted that 100 million Pakistanis live below the poverty line. “Their children go to bed hungry. This is the legacy our politicians have left us,” he lamented.
He highlighted that 40 percent of Pakistanis suffer from stunted physical and mental development due to malnutrition. “If these children have no future, what future does the country have? Can Pakistan progress under these conditions?”
“We have fallen behind because our state preys upon its citizens,” Ismail said. “To our politicians, we are not citizens, but prey.”
He criticized the recently passed budget, arguing it primarily benefits politicians. “Taxes have been doubled for those earning between Rs75,000 and Rs100,000. Consider the burden added to their utility bills, fees, and medical expenses.”
Ismail emphasized that his party’s foremost goal is to provide opportunities for Pakistanis to advance. “If you believe Pakistanis deserve a better future and opportunities, join us. We stand ready to elevate Pakistan.”
Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, also speaking at the event, regretted how politics has prioritized self-interest over public service. He expressed hope that Awaam Pakistan would offer a departure from conventional politics, focusing on merit and contribution to the nation.
Abbasi emphasized that the party was not merely about gathering electables but about recruiting individuals with capability and influence who are committed to the country’s progress.
He asserted that Awaam Pakistan’s ideology centered on upholding Pakistan’s constitution and parliamentary democracy, contrasting it with the prevalent disregard for constitutional principles among politicians.
Abbasi announced plans to release a mission statement in the coming weeks outlining the party’s policies and solutions for national issues, aiming to demonstrate substantive action beyond rhetoric.
In addition to Ismail and Abbasi, former PML-N leader and KP governor and chief minister Mehtab Abbasi also addressed the gathering.
