Abbasi blames injustices for terror

Laments 'rejected leaders' now rule while people's choices remain sidelined

RAWALPINDI:

Former prime minister and Awaam Pakistan Party (APP) chief Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has blamed the resurgence of terrorism on systemic injustices, the disregard for public opinion and the bulldozing of laws.

He further lamented that the people's mandate in the general elections was trampled upon to install the current rulers.

Speaking to journalists and public delegations during his visit to Kallar Syedan on Monday, Abbasi stated that elections were manipulated to sideline those genuinely elected by the people, while those rejected by the electorate were placed in power.

"In our country, the decisions of the people are thrown into the dustbin. This approach is neither democratic nor ethical," he lamented.

Abbasi also slammed the "forces" that once brought PTI founding chairman Imran Khan to power, questioning why, out of 250 million Pakistanis, they deemed Asif Zardari and Shehbaz Sharif the best alternatives after Imran.

He stressed that Pakistan's progress depended solely on upholding the Constitution and the rule of law.

Referring to his past association with the PML-N, Abbasi stated, "As long as the party stood by its 'Respect the Vote' slogan, I was with them. But when they shifted to 'Respect Power,' I distanced myself".

Expressing concern over the worsening security situation, Abbasi said, "Our conflict was in the east, but we are now collecting bodies from the west".

He lamented the enforced disappearances of young men, questioning where their families should turn for justice. "If people's children go missing, and no one even tells them where they are, where should they seek justice? Who should they knock on for help? There is darkness all around," he added.

Criticising the current state of politics, Abbasi said that during his tenure as prime minister, he neither interfered in others' affairs nor allowed anyone to meddle in his authority.

"Today, however, politicians are engaged in a race to prove who is the most obedient," he added.