Awam Pakistan Party (APP) leader and former Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has stated that as long as division and political turmoil persist in the country, no challenge can be effectively addressed.

Speaking on Aaj News’ show Rubaroo, Abbasi said that Balochistan has enough resources to resolve its own issues. “If Balochistan is managed properly, the income of every person there would surpass that of people in all other provinces of Pakistan. The province should be governed according to the constitution, and its resources and rights should be granted accordingly,” he asserted.

In response to a question, he remarked, “Military action in Balochistan will be necessary; no country can tolerate terrorism or extremism. However, this is not a permanent solution.”

He emphasized the importance of dialogue, stating that negotiations can lead to solutions, but the state must remain prepared. “No state can accept losing control over its authority,” he added.

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Regarding an All Parties Conference (APC), Abbasi said, “No one will sit in an APC because a government that has not been elected by the people cannot achieve anything. A government that lacks both legal and moral legitimacy cannot resolve issues.”

Commenting on the situation in Dera Ismail Khan and other districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he remarked that both the provincial and federal governments are paralyzed. “An APC will not provide a solution in such circumstances because those with weapons do not listen to APC discussions. Even on the motorway at night, control lies with armed groups,” he warned.

When asked about PTI joining the opposition alliance, he stated, “I stand with those who advocate for the rule of law and the constitution. I will not support those who promote division and unconstitutional actions.”

Abbasi emphasized that protests within legal boundaries can be successful, but stepping outside the law will create problems. “The issue is that the ruling authorities are not even allowing people their rightful protest within the framework of the law,” he added.

On whether he would join the opposition alliance, he responded, “Abbasi sahib is not part of it. That is a very straightforward matter. I do not support any unconstitutional action. However, I fully support our constitutional right to protest. If the government imposes unlawful restrictions, it becomes our duty to resist them.”

He further stated, “If your plan is to form a mob and attack the capital, then I am not with you.”

Abbasi concluded by saying that governments that are not truly representative of the people fear the public. “This government fears the people because it does not have their mandate.”