'Awam Pakistan Party' formally launched with 'Badlenge Nizam' slogan

Intra-party elections on June 19 elected Shahid Khaqan Abbasi as convener, Miftah Ismail as secretary

ISLAMABAD:

A new political party named 'Awam Pakistan Party' has been launched, led by former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, former Finance Minister Miftah Ismail, and other notable leaders.

The launch event, held in Islamabad, saw the attendance of key political figures including Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Miftah Ismail, former Governor Sardar Mehtab Abbasi, former Federal Health Minister Dr. Zafar Mirza, former Punjab Provincial Minister Zaeem Qadri, and others.

The new party's slogan is "Badlenge Nizam" (We Will Change the System), and its flag is green and blue with the party's name written in white.

Organising committee member Fatima Atif stated that the party's intra-party elections were held on June 19, electing Shahid Khaqan Abbasi as the party's convener and Miftah Ismail as the secretary.

Last month, the former premier warned the government to revisit the newly approved budget or risk pushing the economy to the brink, cautioning that implementing the fiscal year 2024-25 budget would deter foreign direct investment and force salaried and young people to leave Pakistan.

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The newly launched party aims to drive economic prosperity by extending tax concessions to middle-income and salaried classes while reducing annual government expenditure, party founder Miftah Ismail told Arab News.

Ismail emphasised the importance of active public involvement in politics, governance, and the economy, stating that one of the party's primary goals is to uplift the poor.

The party's economic reform agenda includes limiting government involvement, encouraging the private sector, and privatizing public organisations to stimulate growth.

Criticising the current coalition government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, he noted that recent budgets have squandered opportunities for much-needed economic reforms.

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step." With people from all four provinces already joining the party, the leadership is determined to build a strong foundation for future political success. Miftah remarked.