In a significant development on Pakistan’s political landscape, “Awaam Pakistan,” a new political entity, has officially emerged. This announcement follows a period of nationwide discussions and consultations spearheaded by former PML-N leaders Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Miftah Ismail, who parted ways with their previous party over policy disagreements.
A video released on Awaam Pakistan’s official platform highlighted the party’s commitment to addressing pressing national issues. Disheartened citizens featured in the video voiced their concerns about inflation, energy shortages, corruption, unemployment, and educational disparities, underscoring the need for a fresh political approach.
The leadership of Awaam Pakistan is headlined by Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, who serves as the head of the organising committee, with Miftah Ismail as his deputy. Ismail emphasized the necessity of broadening political engagement beyond traditional figures such as Nawaz Sharif or Asif Ali Zardari, advocating for the potential of non-traditional entities to drive meaningful change.
Joining Awaam Pakistan are notable figures from various backgrounds, including former PML-N members and professionals. The organising committee features prominent individuals such as former Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa governor Sardar Mehtab Ahmed Khan, former PML-N Senator Javed Abbassi, and former MQM MNA Sheikh Salahuddin. Founding members also include former PML-N MNA Rana Zahid Tauseef, former health minister Zafar Mirza, former PML-N MPA Zaeem Hussain Qadri, Hazara activist Fatima Atif, Sindhi nationalist leader Anwar Soomro, legal expert Abdul Moiz Jaferii, and ex-HEC chairman Tariq Javed Banuri.
The party’s formal launch is scheduled for July 6 or 7, with 17 founding members set to introduce Awaam Pakistan to the public. Abbasi has highlighted the party’s focus on recruiting professionals and experts rather than relying on traditional “electables,” aiming to enhance political discourse with diverse expertise.
Abbasi also affirmed the party’s commitment to adhering to constitutional norms, emphasizing a principled approach to relations with the establishment. On April 8, he approached the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for the registration of the new political party.
In previous statements, both Abbasi and Ismail have been vocal critics of the current political system. Last December, Abbasi announced he would not participate in the upcoming general elections, and in August, he criticized his own government for eroding public trust, calling the National Assembly the worst in the country’s history. On May 13, Miftah Ismail announced the formation of a new party, which was initially unnamed. In an op-ed, he described the new party as one that would prioritize leadership by women and young people, and constitutionally mandate term limits for its leaders.
Ismail’s vision for the new party involves avoiding the pitfalls of targeting specific provinces or ethnic groups and steering clear of the dynastic politics that dominate the current political landscape. He expressed the urgent need to “radically restructure our governance” to address the country’s failing system, deeming current political leaders “out-of-touch and short-sighted” regarding Pakistan’s future. Ismail stressed that Pakistan needs leaders with integrity, competence, and a proven track record, with a particular emphasis on involving younger people in the party’s leadership and public engagement.
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