Peshawar — Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi voiced strong opposition to the provision of constitutional courts under the proposed 26th constitutional amendment.
Abbasi argued that such a court would be unnecessary and counterproductive, advocating instead for a specialized constitutional bench within the Supreme Court. “I have never seen the concept of a constitutional court anywhere before,” Abbasi remarked.“Rather than forming a new court, we should establish a constitutional bench within the Supreme Court to handle these matters.”The Awaam Pakistan leader that Pakistan’s existing judicial framework can adequately handle constitutional cases without the need for additional structures. He warned that creating a separate constitutional court could lead to legal complexities and undermine the role of the Supreme Court.
“There is no room for a constitutional court in Pakistan,” he asserted, highlighting the importance of strengthening the existing judicial institutions instead of fragmenting them.
In a pointed critique of Pakistan’s political landscape, former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi condemned the country’s leadership for prioritizing personal interests over public welfare.
He stated that his party – Awaam Pakistan – would not adopt the same practices as other political groups, adding that the true purpose of politics should be the development of the people and the nation. Shahid Khaqan Abbasi specifically criticized the ruling political parties of the last decade, questioning their ability to improve the lives of ordinary citizens. “For ten years, the same three parties have been in power. Have they succeeded in improving the country’s situation?” he asked, pointing to the lack of progress despite their long tenure.
Abbasi expressed concern that politics had become solely about securing self interest, with little thought given to the long-term future of the nation. “Politics has sadly turned into a race for power, with no clear plan for what comes next. We keep repeating the mistakes of the past, and our country continues to suffer for it,” he warned.
Addressing broader democratic values, Abbasi stressed that even groups with differing views, such as the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), have the right to voice their opinions. “Despite fundamental disagreements with PTM, their right to speech cannot be denied,” he said. He further criticized provincial governments for using undemocratic methods to suppress public gatherings, noting that such tactics are in direct violation of the constitution.“Blocking roads and using containers to prevent political meetings is not something our constitution allows,” Abbasi said, adding that democracy requires space for opposing voices and dialogue, not suppression.
In his speech, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi also addressed Pakistan’s pressing educational crisis, pointing out that 26 million children remain out of school. He expressed dismay that this issue, which should be a national priority, is continually overlooked in budget discussions.
“In all the budget allocations, where is the focus on these children?” he asked. Abbasi emphasized that the country cannot prosper if such fundamental problems are ignored. He urged the need for leadership that takes responsibility for these urgent issues, rather than being distracted by political gamesmanship.
Abbasi further criticized the protection of corrupt and incompetent figures within the political system, questioning whether individuals with such backgrounds could ever lead Pakistan towards progress. “How can we expect the country to thrive when we allow the corrupt and the unqualified to hold seats in parliament?” he asked.
He lamented that instead of addressing core national issues like education and development, the leadership has been embroiled in efforts to maintain power, often at the expense of the country’s future.On the topic of national unity, Abbasi called for policies that promote harmony and bring the nation together, urging the political leadership to listen to the people’s concerns. He acknowledged the missteps of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), but insisted that the only way forward is through strict adherence to the constitution.“We must all respect the constitution if we are to move this country forward,” he said.Abbasi also made it clear that the military, as an institution, must be respected but should remain within its constitutional role.
“The military is an important institution, but the country’s progress and dignity lie in upholding the constitution,” he stated. He concluded that Pakistan’s future depends on leaders who prioritize serving the country over personal gain, calling for a return to the rule of law and constitutional governance.
Former Governor and Chief Minister Sardar Mehtab Ahmed Khan also spoke at the event, offering his own critical reflections on Pakistan’s governance. “I have seen the ups and downs of power for over 40 years, and our parliamentary system has become a farce,” he remarked. He stressed that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are the backbone of Pakistan and urged the country’s leadership to restore its credibility by strictly following democratic principles.
Khan warned that the people would not accept any authority beyond the law and called for the government to respect the will of the people.
