Washington, D.C.: Malik Khaliq Awan, the former Vice President of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) USA, has announced a rebellion against the party, unleashing a barrage of allegations against its top leadership, including Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif.
Sources close to Awan revealed that his decision to sever ties with the party was triggered after he received an invitation to attend the inauguration ceremony of former U.S. President Donald Trump. The invitation, according to Awan, was a recognition of his efforts and standing in the Pakistani-American community. However, his attendance at the event reportedly led to differences with the PML-N leadership, which snowballed into his eventual rebellion.
In a press conference held in Washington, Malik Khaliq Awan accused Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif of nepotism, mismanagement, and failing to uphold the principles of democracy within the party. “The Sharif brothers have turned PML-N into a personal enterprise rather than a political party. There is no room for genuine voices or constructive criticism. They only value those who blindly follow their orders,” Awan stated.
He went on to claim that the party’s overseas chapters, including PML-N USA, have been neglected and treated merely as fundraising bodies, with no real input or consideration given to their concerns. “PML-N USA has been reduced to a mere ceremonial presence, with no regard for the hard work of its members in representing the party’s interests abroad,” he said.
Awan also alleged financial irregularities within the party and accused its leadership of sidelining competent individuals in favor of family members and loyalists. “This is not the vision of democracy and accountability that the people of Pakistan deserve. It is time for the truth to come out,” he added.
While addressing the media, Awan hinted at plans to join another political platform that, according to him, aligns better with his vision of transparent leadership and democratic values. He expressed disappointment at the lack of reform within PML-N despite repeated promises.
The development has created ripples within the Pakistani-American community, many of whom have voiced mixed reactions to Awan’s decision. While some believe his grievances are genuine, others view his rebellion as a politically motivated move designed to gain attention and leverage his association with Donald Trump’s inauguration.
PML-N’s leadership has yet to issue an official statement on Malik Khaliq Awan’s accusations. However, party insiders suggest that Awan’s rebellion may be an isolated incident and is unlikely to affect the broader overseas network of the party.
This is not the first time PML-N has faced internal dissent from its overseas chapters. Analysts suggest that such incidents highlight the growing dissatisfaction among party members abroad, who feel disconnected from decision-making processes and ignored in their contributions to the party’s international outreach.
As Malik Khaliq Awan’s defection continues to make headlines, it remains to be seen how the PML-N leadership will address the allegations and whether this rebellion could spark further dissent within the party’s ranks, both at home and overseas.
