Former PML-N leaders, Miftah Ismail and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, officially launched a new political party in Islamabad after months of anticipation. This trend of politicians creating new parties or switching allegiances is not new in Pakistan.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)
The PML-N emerged as a faction of the Pakistan Muslim League (PML) in 1993 when a group supporting Nawaz Sharif broke away. Various factions have since sprouted from the PML-N, including the recent ‘Awaam Pakistan’ party.
Awaam Pakistan Party
Abbasi and Ismail, along with Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, launched Awaam Pakistan with the aim of changing the system. Khokhar, however, is not part of the new party due to differences.
Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP)
Founded in 1967, the PPP faced internal divisions over the years. Benazir Bhutto’s tenure led to factions like PPP-Parliamentarians and PPP (Shaheed Bhutto).
PPP-Sherpao
PPP-S was formed by Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao after his disagreements with Benazir. He later moved towards Pakhtun nationalist politics.
Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI)
Following Imran Khan’s arrest, PTI saw the emergence of factions like PTI-Parliamentarians and Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party (IPP), led by Jahangir Tarin.
Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM)
MQM experienced fragmentation over the years, leading to factions like MQM-Haqiqi and later the Pak Sarzameen Party (PSP) under Mustafa Kamal.
Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI)
JUI evolved from JUH and split into JUI-F and JUI-S in the 1980s due to differences in alignment with political forces.