In a significant blow to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and its chairman, Imran Khan, party leaders from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) chapter are reportedly forming a new political party, according to credible sources. The new party, spearheaded by former defense minister and KP chief minister Pervez Khattak, has finalized its manifesto and flag. The party is considering three potential names: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Parliamentarians, Tehreek-e-Insaf Pakistan, and Muttahidda Tehreek-e-Insaf Pakistan.
Khattak, who previously held the position of PTI KP president, resigned after the events of May 9, and he was later sacked by the party for failing to respond to a show cause notice. Now, Khattak is set to announce the new party at a press conference following a meeting of PTI leaders and former members of national and provincial assemblies in Peshawar.
Despite receiving offers from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) to join their respective parties, Khattak has decided to establish his own political party. He has conducted consultations with PTI leaders and “electable” from other parties, and it is expected that over 50 former MNAs (Members of the National Assembly) and MPAs (Members of the Provincial Assembly) will join the new party.
Sources also revealed that general elections are anticipated to be held in 2024. Allegedly, cases will be registered against former Prime Minister Imran Khan under the Army Act, and ongoing cases related to Toshakhana and Al-Qadir University Trust will be pursued by the Election Commission of Pakistan and the National Accountability Bureau, respectively.
In the midst of these developments, Jahangir Khan Tareen, Chief of Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), clarified that leaders Aun Chaudhry and Nauman Langrial will continue to be part of the federal cabinet until the completion of the government’s tenure. Aun Chaudhry has denied rumors of his resignation and affirmed his commitment to serving as part of the prime minister’s team until the government’s term ends.
The IPP President, Aleem, announced the formation of groups in various sectors, including agriculture and industry, to devise new policies for the future of Pakistan. Emphasizing the need for urgent measures to address the declining annual growth rate, Aleem stressed the importance of introducing modern policies aligned with current requirements. The party will seek recommendations from agricultural and economic experts to include in its manifesto. The provision of employment opportunities will be a top priority as a stable economy is crucial for Pakistan’s standing in the international community.
The formation of a new political party led by Pervez Khattak marks a setback for the PTI. As the party faces internal challenges and potential legal consequences for its leadership, Khattak aims to establish an alternative political platform. With general elections on the horizon, Pakistan’s political landscape is set for further shifts and realignments.