PESHAWAR BUREAU REPORT
Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said it is unfortunate that the country’s constitutional heads are standing against each other at a time when unity is essential. Speaking at an event at the Peshawar Press Club, Abbasi remarked that governor’s rule is an extreme constitutional measure and warned that if it is imposed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, then similar conditions in other provinces would also justify such action.
He said that national leadership has turned into political rivals instead of acting as guardians of the state. “The federation and the province must tolerate each other. Our purpose in politics is not power but the welfare, development, and progress of the country,” he said.
Abbasi stressed that Pakistan’s success lies solely in following the Constitution and the rule of law. He said that youth are the country’s greatest asset, and they seek education, employment, and opportunities for business. “Where there is no political stability, there can be no investment,” he added.
He lamented that top constitutional figures were engaged in confrontation, saying his party is the only one consistently talking about solving national issues, while other parties indulge in accusations and verbal attacks. “We talk about uniting the country, and that is what Pakistan needs. No single person or party can fix the country—everyone must play their role,” he said, expressing hope that the youth of Peshawar and KP would join efforts for national progress.
Reflecting on his personal connection to the city, Abbasi recalled spending six to seven years in Peshawar during his education while his father served in the Air Force. He emphasized that Pakistan’s challenges cannot be solved by ignoring Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Abbasi called for mutual respect in politics and strongly criticized the 27th Constitutional Amendment, calling it a “black mark” in political history. He predicted that one day all parties would work together to reverse it. He cautioned against empowering individuals solely through positions of authority, saying only leaders backed by the people rise sustainably, while those elevated through shortcuts eventually fall.
He urged political leaders to focus on solving national problems instead of engaging in personal attacks, saying that such a culture goes against societal and religious values.