The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has officially registered the ‘Awaam Pakistan’ (AP) party, founded by former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and former Finance Minister Miftah Ismail. Both leaders previously held significant roles within the Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N), which is currently part of the ruling coalition alongside the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and others.

In an announcement shared with Business Recorder, the ECP confirmed the registration of Awaam Pakistan, naming Abbasi as its Convener and Ismail as Secretary-General. The commission also recognized the intra-party elections held by AP, noting that the party submitted its election details on June 26.

With the addition of Awaam Pakistan, the total number of political parties registered with the ECP now stands at 168. Ismail and Abbasi officially launched the party in June 2024, marking a significant transition in their political careers.

During the launch event, Miftah Ismail articulated the party’s vision, emphasizing the need for equal economic opportunities for all Pakistanis. He expressed that Awaam Pakistan would not embrace hereditary politics or the “messiah” concept often seen in political landscapes. Highlighting the party’s manifesto, Ismail reiterated their goal to reform the governance system, ensuring that the voices of the masses become central to decision-making processes.