Former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister Pervez Khattak, reeling from his political party’s dismal performance in the recent general elections, is reportedly making overtures to join the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).
After suffering a resounding defeat in the February 8 elections, Khattak, along with his two sons and a son-in-law, faced a setback as his party managed to secure only two provincial assembly seats. This defeat pushed Khattak into a political hiatus, severing ties with his supporters and workers.
However, recent developments suggest a reemergence into the political landscape. Khattak has allegedly approached senior figures within the PPP, including Raja Pervez Ashraf and Syed Khursheed Shah, expressing his interest in joining the party. Nevertheless, his admission to the PPP reportedly hinges on the approval of the party’s local chapter.
Reports suggest that Khattak has engaged with PPP leaders, with discussions extending to the PPP’s Nowshera chapter. Ilyas Khan, a PPP leader in Nowshera, confirmed that Khattak had been in contact with the local PPP leadership, including arranging an iftar dinner in Islamabad.
However, Khattak’s potential entry into the PPP is not without hurdles. Concerns have been raised regarding his strained relationship with the late PPP leader from Nowshera, Liaqat Shabab’s widow. PPP members have sought time to deliberate on Khattak’s inclusion, including consultations with Shabab’s widow.
Speculations also arise concerning Khattak’s future role within the PPP, including the possibility of assuming the position of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governor. However, Ilyas Khan clarified that any decision regarding Khattak’s role within the party is yet to be made and would involve President Asif Ali Zardari and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.
Furthermore, efforts are reportedly underway to reconcile with Khattak’s estranged brother, who has affiliations with the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl.
The evolving political landscape suggests a significant shift for Khattak, signaling a potential rebirth in his political career within the folds of the PPP.
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