Renowned journalist vows to end family-run politics and empower ordinary Pakistanis with a truly people-led movement amid swirling debates on his motives.
Iqrar Ul Hassan Enters Politics with a Bold Vision for True Democracy:
Today, January 15, 2026, Pakistani TV anchor Iqrar Ul Hassan steps from the spotlight of investigative journalism into the arena of national politics, announcing the launch of a new political party designed to challenge entrenched dynasties. Known for his daring exposés on corruption via ARY News’ Sar-e-Aam, iqrar ul Hassan’s initiative promises internal democracy and power to the masses, igniting hopes for reform in a country weary of elite control. This high-stakes entry could disrupt Pakistan’s political status quo, where family legacies and alleged military influences have long overshadowed genuine public representation, raising questions about whether a media figure can truly mobilize the youth and workers he aims to champion.
From London Hints to National Stage: Iqrar ul Hassan's Calculated Path to Today's Party Launch:
Iqrar Ul Hassan’s political journey gained momentum in late 2025 when he first hinted at his ambitions during a public event in London. Speaking to an audience, he outlined a vision for a party that would break from Pakistan’s traditional model, where leadership often passes through family lines or relies on personality cults. On December 28, 2025, videos from the event circulated widely, showing Hassan declaring the launch date as January 15, 2026, and emphasizing honesty, accountability, and public service.
In the weeks leading up, Iqrar ul Hassan amplified his message on social media. On January 4, 2026, he posted on X: “On 15 January, Pakistan will witness the launch of a people-led movement. Its goal is to create the country’s first truly democratic political party, where leadership comes from the people through internal democracy.” Hashtags like #RiseOfYouth_15thJan and #انقلابی_تحریک_15جنوری trended, drawing support from youth and disillusioned voters.
Iqrar ul Hassan has repeatedly sworn that the military establishment is not backing his venture, addressing speculation in a January 5, 2026, video where he stated, “The military establishment is not behind his political party and his movement for change.” He positioned the party as a response to decades of rule by political and military figures, from Ayub Khan to current leaders.
As of this morning, no official party name has been disclosed, but sources indicate it will be revealed today alongside the flag and registration plans with Pakistan’s Election Commission. Iqrar ul Hassan’s latest X post from January 14 reiterated the date as the “beginning of a historic movement.”
Youth Revolution or Establishment Ploy? The Stakes Behind Iqrar Ul Hassan's Political Entry:
Pakistan’s political scene has been dominated by a handful of parties for decades, often criticized for nepotism and corruption. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), led by the Sharif family, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), controlled by the Bhutto-Zardari dynasty, and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), founded by Imran Khan, have alternated power amid allegations of electoral rigging and military interference.
Iqrar ul Hassan, born in 1984 in Lahore, rose to fame through Sar-e-Aam, a show that uses hidden cameras to uncover scams, police brutality, and societal ills. His work has earned him millions of followers and awards, but also threats and arrests. In 2015, he was briefly detained after a controversial episode. His pivot to politics follows a trend of media personalities entering the fray, similar to Imran Khan’s own transition from cricket to leadership.
The significance lies in Hassan’s appeal to Gen Z and millennials, who make up over 60% of Pakistan’s 250 million population. Amid economic woes-inflation at 20% in 2025, youth unemployment hovering at 15%-his call for a party where “workers, farmers, teachers, and IT professionals” lead resonates. Experts note this could fragment votes, especially from PTI, which has faced crackdowns since Khan’s 2022 ouster.
Critics label it an “establishment project” to dilute opposition, echoing past accusations against new parties. Iqrar ul Hassan’s criticism of Khan as a “boomer” who should retire has fueled backlash from PTI supporters.
For victims of corruption Iqrar ul Hassan has exposed, this offers hope. But for families reliant on patronage from established parties, it threatens disruption. Broader stakes include potential shifts in policy on economy, rights, and governance, if the party gains traction.