Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Stresses Urgent Need for Reforms and New Provinces in Pakistan

Karachi: Former Prime Minister and head of the Awam Pakistan Party, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, emphasized the critical need for reforms and the creation of new provinces in Pakistan. Speaking at a “Meet the Press” session at the Karachi Press Club, he acknowledged the platform’s longstanding role in voicing opposition views during difficult times.
Abbasi strongly condemned recent Indian aggression and unilateral actions, particularly regarding water suspension, stating that no one has the authority to make such decisions. “We must stand united as a nation against Indian aggression,” he asserted, adding that political parties and the system must function within the framework of the Constitution for real progress.
Addressing the controversial canal construction project, Abbasi criticized the government for bypassing parliamentary debate. “This issue should have been raised in the Senate and National Assembly. The people of Sindh are protesting, and this unrest will affect the entire nation,” he warned.
He also highlighted the dire state of water supply in Karachi, where 70% of the population lacks access to piped water. He criticized the elite for monopolizing basic services and questioned how a major city like Karachi relies on water tankers. “Even my house in the mountains receives water through proper pipelines,” he remarked.
Abbasi described Karachi as the lifeline of Pakistan, warning that national progress is impossible without the city’s development. He pointed out the governance failure in multiple provinces, despite all major parties holding power across the federation.
On national security and unity, Abbasi questioned why youth in Balochistan are resorting to arms, calling for a dialogue-driven approach to address their grievances. “Only those elected by the people should represent Balochistan,” he said.
He stressed that Pakistan requires urgent structural reforms, but lamented that even discussing such reforms has become impossible in the current political climate. “We don’t engage in politics of supporting or opposing the establishment — we operate strictly under the Constitution and law,” he said, noting that his party continues to grow steadily.
He warned that political instability and lack of rule of law deter both investment and economic recovery. Drawing attention to critical social issues, he revealed that over 27 million children in Pakistan are out of school, a problem that demands immediate action.
Abbasi also highlighted the rising poverty rate, now at 42.4%, despite the country’s growing population, calling it one of the most pressing challenges facing Pakistan today.