We keep trying to build a ‘new Pakistan’ every few years: Mazhar Abbas

ISLAMABAD, August 23, 2026: Senior journalist Mazhar Abbas has said that Pakistan keeps trying to build a new country every few years, while rulers continue to claim that they are building a new Pakistan.

Commenting in the programme “Vision For Pakistan”, Mazhar Abbas questioned whether the opposition or the government had started the discussion.

He said everyone was saying that the system was not working, yet ministers were being awarded medals for their performance.

“The system is not working, but ministers are being given medals on August 14,” he said.

Mazhar Abbas said if the country wanted to follow the 1973 Constitution, everything was already provided for in it.

He warned that entering into a debate over new provinces would create further divisions.

According to Mazhar Abbas, an empowered local government system is a more effective option without entering into the debate over new provinces.

“There should be a local government under an empowered mayor. This is provided in the Constitution,” he said.

He sarcastically asked the PPP representative to build Lyari before Karachi.

Mazhar Abbas questioned on what basis Karachi was being considered for handing over to the federal government.

He also questioned the condition of institutions including PIA, Pakistan Railways, Pakistan Steel and the Pakistan Cricket Board.

The senior journalist said the federal government should give an example of Karachi being declared a federal territory.

“There are currently four chaudhrys in the country, and we are trying to make 34 chaudhrys,” he said.

Mazhar Abbas said whatever solution was needed should be found through the Constitution and not through unconstitutional means.