JHELUM: Awam Pakistan Party (APP) leader and former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has voiced strong criticism of the current political climate in Pakistan, stating that the focus should not be on the release of PTI founder Imran Khan, but on addressing the country’s deeper issues through constitutional supremacy and rule of law.
Speaking to the media in Jhelum, Abbasi emphasized that progress cannot be achieved in a country where the rule of law is absent. “Hypocrisy in politics is holding Pakistan back,” he said, advocating for an end to political animosities and urging unity across party lines. He added, “We must focus on the country’s politics and improvement, not personal vendettas.”
Abbasi pointed out the failures of both the government and the opposition over the past year, stating, “The government’s performance is evident, and the opposition’s contribution is zero.” He stressed that both the government and opposition have roles to play in politics, urging them to come together to address the nation’s challenges.
On the worsening situation in Balochistan, Abbasi blamed government negligence for the province’s instability. He also criticized the political parties, noting their failure to govern effectively despite being in power. “This is not a failure of the people—it’s a failure of the leadership,” he remarked during a separate rally in Swabi.
Abbasi further questioned the effectiveness of PTI’s 12-year rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, saying current officials are unable to even return safely to their homes. He also criticized the PPP’s 17 years in power in Sindh, citing the continued lack of access to clean water for 40% of Karachi’s population.
Concluding his remarks, Abbasi urged political leaders to prioritize the constitution and law to tackle Pakistan’s economic crisis. “We mortgaged the youth’s future for political interests. It’s time to rise above party politics and work for Pakistan,” he said.
