In love with Imran Khan's larger-than-life image of a hero and in utter contempt for the Sharif family's dynastic and corrupt leadership, I had never been able to comprehend why some decent figures in PML-N were being led by the Sharifs and never challenged the family's hereditary and feudal leadership tradition. This bewilderment intensified when Maryam Nawaz started appearing on the scene in the absence of Nawaz Sharif, with Shahbaz Sharif taking over as president and becoming Prime Minister of the coalition of opportunists backed by General Bajwa, who had orchestrated the ouster of Imran Khan's erstwhile government.
It was then that I started noticing a saner voice in PML-N, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, who began distancing himself from the party's politics and policies. He expressed his disapproval of the change and the politics of power at all costs by not taking any ministry in the PMLN-led government. His refusal to accept Maryam's promotion over all the stalwarts who had always shielded Mian Nawaz Sharif as loyal party members resonated deeply with me. He was clear that he would not accept anyone but Nawaz Sharif as his leader. He earned my respect.
I lost faith in PTI, despite my immense respect for Imran Khan's upright and principled position. I no longer believe they have a clear vision and goals, only rhetoric devoid of any actionable agenda.
And then the Sharifs replaced Miftah Ismail with another family member, Ishaq Dar, as Finance Minister. Dar's arrogance and misguided policies led to a sharp decline in all economic indicators, including massive erosion of currency value and a hike in inflation.
Shahid and Miftah, aware of the economic situation and knowing that with persisting political stalemate, institutional meltdown, and burgeoning debts, imminent default on Pakistan’s obligations was likely. They could see a clear and present threat to the security and survival of the country, recalling similar conditions that led to the separation of East Pakistan into Bangladesh in the 1970s. It was during this turbulent time that Mustafa Khokhar, a disgruntled PPP senator, began voicing his sentiments. After being removed from his senatorship for dissenting, he joined forces with Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Miftah Ismail.
Despite my disillusionment with PTI and the current political landscape, my hope and optimism for Awaam Pakistan as a viable alternative are strong.
Together, they launched the campaign "Reimagining Pakistan," aiming to highlight the grave issues facing our country and offering a vision for a better future. As the saga of Imran Khan's persecution continued, elections came and went. Despite winning the majority of the seats, PTI was denied its rightful place in government, with the military establishment reinstalling PML-N and PPP in a coalition.
PTI's second-tier leadership, instead of shaping a united and integrated response to regain their seats and free their leader, chose to engage in infighting, demoralizing and dividing their voters and supporters. I lost faith in PTI, despite my immense respect for Imran Khan's upright and principled position. I no longer believe they have a clear vision and goals, only rhetoric devoid of any actionable agenda.
In contrast, Awaam Pakistan offers an experienced and upright leadership, a coherent agenda that they have amply and convincingly communicated through their campaign "Reimagining Pakistan." Now that they have launched Awaam Pakistan as a political party on July 6, 2024, I have seen a keen interest in people joining them. Although I have not joined the party officially, I am part of their WhatsApp group and have witnessed the ever-increasing excitement as new members join and the team expands. The messages from the leadership are inspirational, and the vibes are great.
Launching the party at a time when elections are five years away is both an opportunity and a challenge. The opportunity lies in having enough time to expand membership and organize the party on solid footing. The challenge is to keep the momentum going and to hold the good people together. Despite my disillusionment with PTI and the current political landscape, my hope and optimism for Awaam Pakistan as a viable alternative are strong.
The experienced team led by Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Miftah Ismail, and Dr. Zafar Mirza brings a blend of professionalism, integrity, and a deep understanding of Pakistan's problems. They are committed to engaging in inclusive politics and addressing the core issues that have held our nation back. My journey from being a PTI supporter to seeing the potential in Awaam Pakistan has been one of reflection and realization. I am inspired by the leadership's vision and their commitment to building a prosperous, just, and democratic Pakistan. Awaam Pakistan represents a new hope for our nation, and I am excited to see how they will shape the future of our country.