KARACHI: Former prime minister and disgruntled leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said on Monday that he would form a political party by next month.

Speaking to reporters after appearing in an accountability court here, he said: “A political party cannot be formed in a day, but it will be established by the next month, with people from all over Pakistan joining us.”

“Political parties are often created before elections to achieve specific goals. We talk about public issues and have distanced ourselves from the establishment-backed parties. To solve national problems, competent individuals must be empowered,” he said.

He also stated that no steps had been taken over the breach of the Constitution. “If we look to the past, we would have to go back to 1947, but it would be better to establish a truth and reconciliation commission to bring the facts before the public,” he said.

He mentioned that those who had made bogus cases must be held accountable, including the former chairman of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

The former PM also reiterated his stance that the NAB had only contributed to the economic downturn and was still being used for political purposes.

Earlier, Mr Abbasi, along with others, appeared before an accountability court in a reference pertaining to the alleged illegal appointments of the managing director and a deputy managing director of the Pakistan State Oil (PSO).

During the trial, the court inquired the NAB prosecutor if any financial benefits were gained by the accused. He stated that no financial benefits were taken and the accusation pertained to misuse of the authority.

Published in Dawn, May 21st, 2024