ISLAMABAD: Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, a prominent figure in Pakistani politics and a former prime minister, has taken a significant step by initiating the process of registering a new political party with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
Abbasi’s decision to break away from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) comes after a year of discord with the party’s leadership. Presenting the requisite documentation to the ECP, Abbasi signals the beginning of his efforts to establish a fresh political entity.
Having served as prime minister from August 2017 to May 2018, Abbasi aims to contest future elections under the banner of his newly-formed party, adhering to the guidelines outlined in the Election Act 2017.
This move mirrors the actions of other influential politicians, including Jahangir Tareen and Pervez Khattak of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), who previously founded their political factions. Tareen launched the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) in June of the preceding year, while Khattak established the PTI Parliamentarians in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), attracting a substantial number of defectors from their former parties.
Abbasi’s inclination towards forming a new party had been apparent for some time, with public expressions of disagreement with the PML-N leadership and hints at the emergence of a new political entity following the nationwide polls on February 8.
Notably, Abbasi opted not to contest the 2024 general elections. This decision carries significance, particularly given his resignation from party positions subsequent to the appointment of Maryam Nawaz as senior vice-president and chief organizer of the PML-N last year.
