Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has said, he didn’t seek the PML-N ticket, which means he is not in the party.
“If a person does not seek the party’s ticket after 35 years of affiliation is extra-ordinary and a clear message,” seasoned politician said in an interview. “There was no need of a ceremony at joining and neither today, for quitting the party,” he said.
“After the party discussions, I chose not to apply for the PML-N ticket. Instead, I recommended the names of some dedicated party workers from the constituency, expressing my intention to support them. Unfortunately, these workers were not granted tickets, leading to my decision not to endorse the PML-N candidate. With the party’s decision finalized, I now consider myself free,” explained the former Prime Minister.
“In the constituency, there was pressure on me to either run for the election or field my son as an independent candidate. I have decided to extend my support only if the party workers decide to stand for election. The party is theirs, and they have the right to make the decisions they believe are in their best interest,” he continued.
Responding to a question, Abbasi emphasized the importance of not depriving a political party of its election symbol, stating that participating in elections is a constitutional right. He expressed his reluctance to be involved in situations resembling past instances like IPP, PML-Q, and Patriot, stating that he intends to define his political course after the election.
Regardless of whether he joins an existing party or not, Abbasi asserted that a new party will inevitably emerge, given the existing political space. He clarified that the new party will not be a temporary alliance formed around election times but rather a substantial entity formed for a significant cause.
Acknowledging that numerous individuals have approached him, Abbasi affirmed his agreement that a new political party is needed. He emphasized that this party would not be formed for a specific purpose but would address broader issues. Using analogies, he described the transformation from a sword to an arrow and a cow standing against a lion, highlighting the potential of a new party to make a significant impact, citing instances where unexpected results were achieved.”
