Former Prime Minister and Awam Pakistan Party (APP) convener, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, has stated that the PTI founder must undergo reform for the country to function effectively.
Speaking on a private television program, Abbasi asserted that the United States has no role in resolving PTI’s issues.
Discussing the domestic political landscape, he acknowledged PTI’s popular support but cautioned that if the party continues with the same approach it had during its four years in power, it will yield no benefit.
He urged the PTI founder to reflect on past mistakes, emphasizing that his party needs reform. He also noted that the subsequent government compounded PTI’s errors.
“We are striving to reach a consensus on the opposition’s perspective, and in the conference, we advocated for the release of political prisoners because national issues must be addressed in line with the Constitution and fundamental principles,” he remarked.
Abbasi criticized the country’s political inconsistency, stating, “We have fostered an environment where power shifts back and forth. If this hypocrisy ends, the PTI founder will also find relief.”
Reflecting on key historical moments, he highlighted former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s decisive action in conducting nuclear tests, asserting that Pakistan had no alternative after India’s move.
On foreign relations, Abbasi noted that Europe perceives a threat from Russia, while the U.S. remains focused on deal-making. He stressed the need for Pakistan to maintain a balanced approach in its ties with Russia and Europe, positioning itself as a bridge between the two.
He further underscored that Pakistan must engage with all global players. While the U.S. has pressured Pakistan to reduce ties with China, he pointed out that China has never made such demands and instead encourages broad diplomatic relations.
