Awam Pakistan Party – yes and no

July 7, 2024

Former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and former finance minister Miftah Isamel have launched a new brand political party called Awam Pakistan Party, with the most sellable slogan of ending corruption and presenting a new system enabling every commoners to participate in the development of Pakistan.

Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said that common man has formed the idea that politics cannot happen without the establishment and that we are asked in gestures whether the establishment is with you. In pun, he wanted to say that the party is neutral and is going to be anti-establishment. The rulers are not concerned about the country but only their seat, they want power in any case.

The party’s slogan, “ending corruption and presenting a new system enabling every commoner to participate in the development of Pakistan” is along the line of the country’s frustrated citizens.

Abbasi’s statement that the common man has lost faith in politics as it is being controlled by the establishment is an ugly reality. The new party aims to challenge this notion by being neutral and anti-establishment. The leadership’s commitment to not accepting electables with questionable reputations is a positive step towards reform.

The new party’s stress on political stability and justice as prerequisites for economic stability and the party’s promise to offer solutions to problems rather than advancing personal or family interests is a refreshing change.

However, the launch of a new party raises questions about the need for another political entity in Pakistan. The country has witnessed the launch of new parties every year, often with the alleged backing of the establishment. This trend has led to the disintegration of old parties, with PPP, PML-N, and PTI being notable examples.

The editorial board of this newspaper is of the view that instead of forming new parties, existing ones should be strengthened. The practice of creating new parties, often with the establishment’s support, is harmful to the country’s political stability. We should promote internal democracy within parties and encourage reform rather than perpetuating the cycle of new parties and old rivalries.