Politics cannot be left to politicians, judges and military alone: Miftah Ismail – M Haris

Miftah Ismail, the Secretary-General of the newly formed Awam Pakistan Party (APP), emphasised the need for broader participation in politics beyond just politicians, judges, and the military.

“We cannot leave politics solely to politicians, judges, and the military,” Ismail declared during the party’s launch event in Islamabad on Saturday. “Anyone can join our new party.”

Ismail criticised Pakistan’s existing system for favouring the elite and suppressing the lower classes. “We believe that Pakistan’s system supports the elite and does not allow the common man to progress. We formed this new party to bring real change to Pakistan’s system.”

He expressed discontent with the current state of the country. “This Pakistan is unacceptable to us. The middle class is being crushed, with those earning fifty thousand rupees being taxed, while landowners with hundreds of acres are not. Our youth are risking their lives to leave the country because these rulers cannot guarantee our safety and honour. 64 per cent of our youth are dissatisfied with the current system.”

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Ismail highlighted the persistent issue of terrorism and the ineffective responses. “For thirty years, we have faced terrorism and are now preparing for another operation. Why? What guarantees that children will not turn to terrorism again? We cannot leave politics only to politicians, judges, and the military.”

He stressed the importance of addressing poverty to improve the country’s situation. “Until we eradicate poverty, conditions will not change. Politics should not be limited to politicians; the public must also participate. In our party, no one can hold a position more than twice, and no family members of officeholders can take over. We will not place the children of party officials in positions of power.”

Ismail assured that the Awam Pakistan Party would provide opportunities for all Pakistanis. “Our party will give every Pakistani a chance to advance. This country was founded to empower the people, and it is unacceptable that 90 per cent of Pakistanis are excluded from decision-making.”