Former prime minister and chief of the Awam Pakistan Party, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, has claimed that security agencies and police prevented his party from holding a national conference at a hotel in Islamabad.

Speaking on Aaj TV’s programme “Spotlight” with host Munizae Jahangir, Abbasi said, “This is not the government’s fault; they probably don’t even know. They have no authority — this is a hybrid government. History will tell us the extent of the army chief’s interference in national affairs.”

Abbasi compared the current administration to the past, saying that former prime minister Imran Khan also led a hybrid government.

“We were arrested, and later, PTI’s founder said he wasn’t aware — it was all Bajwa’s doing. The former army chief shifted the blame onto him.”

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Discussing Imran Khan’s letter to the US, Abbasi emphasised that national issues should be resolved domestically.

“It’s not America’s job to check whether our country is being governed according to the constitution or not. That’s a matter for political leaders.”

Abbasi urged Khan to reflect on his tenure.

“He should think about how many times he violated the constitution, how much he undermined the rule of law, and how many human rights he breached. He should learn from these mistakes.”

Commenting on the current administration, he remarked that it has made such blunders that people have forgotten about Imran Khan.

“Since 2018, the establishment has been given too much space in governance.”

Abbasi also criticised Pakistan’s political system, pointing out how some individuals secure Senate seats without party affiliation.

“In Balochistan, one person became Senate chairman twice without being part of any political party. These theatrics will continue. PTI should focus on raising its voice on national issues.”