Miftah Ismail, former Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) minister, revealed the launch date for his new political party, Awaam Pakistan (AP), on July 6 in Islamabad, with former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi serving as the party’s first convener.
Ismail outlined AP’s manifesto, emphasizing a transformative governance approach centred on public involvement in decision-making. He disclosed ongoing discussions with notable political figures nationwide.
Key former PML-N members, including Sardar Mehtab Ahmed Khan Abbasi, Javed Abbasi, Syed Zaeem Hussain Qadri, Rana Zahid Tauseef, Zahid Binnouri, and Sardar Anwar Soomro, have confirmed their participation in Awaam Pakistan. Additionally, Dr. Zafar Mirza and Sheikh Salahuddin are set to join.
Two months earlier, Abbasi, having distanced himself from PML-N due to disagreements, approached the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to register Awaam Pakistan under the Election Act 2017. This party registration marks Abbasi’s strategic pivot ahead of his participation in upcoming elections under the new banner.
This political shift mirrors movements by former leaders, such as Jahangir Tareen and Pervez Khattak, who established their parties after leaving Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
