Political system protects interests of corrupt, says Abbasi

Awam Pakistan Party unveils vision to steer country out of crisis

KARACHI:

Convener Awam Pakistan Party Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said the countries where elections are rigged, they cannot see stability, adding the political system of the country protects the interests of corrupt and incompetent individuals.

Unveiling the vision and objectives of Awam Pakistan Party in Karachi, the former prime minister said the political parties in the country outline their manifestos and then forget, adding the politicians, bureaucrats, judges and army officials violate their oath.

Abbasi said it is the responsibility of the country's leadership to resolve the public issues but "our leadership is struggling for power."

On the occasion, Miftah Ismail said it is pleasure for the party to present its vision for the country. Enunciating the vision of his party, he said his party wants a democratic Pakistan that holds public interest supreme - a society where every individual's fundamental rights are upheld, all vital services are guaranteed by the government, ensuring that everyone's essential needs, especially of the most vulnerable, are fulfilled.

A society where everyone has equal opportunity and one where every generation is better off than the previous one, he added.

He enlisted the seven principles of Awam Pakistan party, staring from supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of Law as the first principle, followed by honesty and transparency, service to the people, development of human resource, provision of a dignified life to all citizens - especially those living in marginal circumstances, protection of fundamental rights and assurance of equal opportunity for all Pakistanis and empowerment of local communities.

He also described the strategy for making the country prosperous, saying the party will not be part of any scheme to attain power by any means other than the popular vote.

"We will oppose any legislation, policy, or action that threatens fundamental rights, and we will work to ensure that every citizen, regardless of their gender, ethnicity, religion, or socioeconomic status, enjoys these rights fully and equally," Miftah underlined.

The Awam Pakistan Party leader termed the parliamentary system of governance a salient feature of the Constitution, adding, "We remain open to a debate on systems of governance, but we will not advance so-called technocrat models, nor a presidential system of government."

He added that his party would undertake electoral reforms that empower people in electing and holding their representatives accountable.

Miftah said his party sees the media as a critical partner in national development.