KARACHI: After much anticipation, ‘Awaam Pakistan,’  new political entity, emerged onto Pakistan’s political scene. Video shared on Awaam Pakistan’s official platform featured disheartened citizens addressing national issues such as inflation, energy shortages, corruption, unemployment and educational disparities.

Party is led by former PML-N leaders Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Miftah Ismail. Both leaders left PML-N due to policy disagreements and initiated discussions nationwide in 2023 under banner ‘Reimagining Pakistan.’ Abbasi heads organising committee, with Miftah as his deputy. Miftah emphasised that political engagement shouldn’t be limited to traditional figures like Nawaz Sharif or Asif Ali Zardari, suggesting that non-traditional entities can also drive change. Notable figures from various backgrounds, including former PML-N stalwarts and professionals, have joined Awaam Pakistan. According to former Finance Minister, party’s organising committee included former Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa governor and PML-N leader Sardar Mehtab Ahmed Khan, former PML-N Senator Javed Abbassi and former MQM MNA Sheikh Salahuddin. Founding members include former PML-N MNA from Faisalabad 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. Party plans to formally launch with 17 founding members on July 6 or 7.

Abbasi highlighted their focus on recruiting professionals and experts rather than traditional “Electables,” aiming to enrich political discourse with diverse expertise. Regarding relations with establishment, Abbasi affirmed adherence to constitutional norms, emphasising principled approach. On April 8, Abbasi approached Election Commission of Pakistan for registration of new political party.