CHARSADDA: Criticising the government over ‘flawed’ economic policies, former prime minister and convener of the Awam Pakistan Party Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Saturday said the country was facing serious political and economic challenges.

Addressing a gathering in Shabqadar tehsil here, he said inflation, unemployment and poor governance had made life difficult for the common man.

On the occasion, political and social figure Manzoor Khan Safi announced joining the Awam Pakistan Party along with his family members, relatives and dozens of supporters.

Mr Abbasi said that the government had failed to address the issues being faced by the people. He said that the rulers were unable to provide relief to the people in the face of soaring inflation. He said that unemployment coupled with inflation had dented the purchasing power of the have-nots.

He added that inflation and unemployment had reached an alarming level, pushing ordinary citizens into severe financial hardship.

The former premier said that rising prices of essential commodities coupled with weak governance and flawed economic policies had deepened the crisis.

“The common man is bearing the brunt of the flawed policies of the rulers,” he remarked. He said that the poor were reeling under the effects of record inflation.

He said that his party was concerned at the overall law and order in the country, stating that insecurity was increasing day by day, while economic instability was widening the gap between rich and poor.

Mr Abbasi reiterated that the Awam Pakistan Party would continue its efforts to mobilise public support and raise voice against ‘flawed’ policies of the government.

Published in Dawn, May 24th, 2026