Pervez Khattak, former Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is reportedly seeking to align himself with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) following the setback faced by his newly established political party in the general elections.
According to The News, Khattak has engaged in discussions with the PPP’s Nowshera chapter regarding his potential affiliation with the party.
Sources close to Khattak confirmed to the publication that despite initially withdrawing from politics after suffering a significant defeat in the February 8 election, he is now contemplating joining the PPP.
In the recent polls, Khattak, along with his two sons and son-in-law, experienced electoral losses, while his party managed to secure only two provincial assembly seats. Subsequently, Khattak retreated from political activities, distancing himself from his supporters and workers.
However, recent reports indicate a resurgence of Khattak’s political activity, particularly during the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays, where he reached out to his supporters. The News reports that Khattak has approached senior figures within the PPP, such as Raja Pervez Ashraf and Syed Khursheed Shah, expressing his interest in joining the party.
However, he was informed that his induction into the PPP would be contingent upon approval from the party’s local chapter.
It is reported that PPP leaders in Nowshera, including Saeedullah, the general secretary, were contacted by Syed Khursheed Shah regarding Khattak’s offer. Shah instructed Saeedullah to arrange a meeting between the PPP Nowshera office-bearers and Khattak to gauge their willingness to accept him into the party.
Subsequently, Khattak has been actively engaging with the PPP’s Nowshera chapter to garner their support.
He reportedly hosted an iftar dinner for PPP leaders in Islamabad, aiming to foster positive relations.
Regarding the possibility of Khattak assuming the role of KP governor if he joins the PPP, it is noted that decisions in this regard would be influenced by President Asif Ali Zardari and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. However, the party has yet to reach a decision on this matter.
Additionally, efforts are reportedly underway to reconcile with Khattak’s estranged brother, who is affiliated with the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl, according to family sources.
