PTI chairman wanted to cling to power through presidential system: Pervez Khattak

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Parliamentarians (PTIP) chief Pervez Khattak has said that the PTI chairman was in favour of the presidential system and he wanted to remain in power by implementing it.

Speaking at HUM news programme “Pakistan Tonight”, Pervez Khattak said that the PTI was against the 18th amendment and he was not in favour of giving power to the provinces.

He said that during the vote of no confidence, the PTI chairman had suggested an extension for former army chief Gen (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa, but he turned down the offer.

“Gen Bajwa made a lot of effort to keep our government running. Gen Bajwa provided many opportunities to hold elections” said Pervez Khattak.

Pervez Khattak said that Gen Bajwa and the army fully supported the PTI.

Pervez Khattak claimed that the PTI chairman didn’t want elections and he wanted a revolution. He alleged that the the PTI’s plan was to send people towards military installations and create unrest. He said that they had instigated the youth against the army.

“The PTI chairman desired to initiate a revolution against the military and become a monarch. I have witnessed the formidable system of the military,” Khattak stated, acknowledging its immense power.

“We talked against the army only for news, but we hadn’t thought of anything against the army,” Pervez Khattak said.

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“I had no knowledge of interfering in the politics by the PTI chairmans wife. The PTI chief made all the decisions himself. The PTI used to make decisions himself regardless of who he spoke to,” he said.

“I haven’t personally seen corruption on the part of the PTI chairman but cases are coming forward.”

He said that “I was offered the position of the prime minister as well by the PTI as well as the PDM. I could have brought more people, were frustrated and someone else could have become the prime minister, but I didn’t do that.”

Talking about his own party and its manifesto, he said that “alliances in politics don’t last and you can talk to anyone. I’m not thinking about alliances right now. First, we will mobilise people, establish our position, and then talk to others. We will present our performance of five years in the elections. People are speculating about what we will do; we won’t bring empty stories and tales. We won’t show people false dreams; we will tell the truth.We have done work in the province for five years that no one else has done. If I used a single penny of ill-gotten money, I’d rather die.”

Pervez Khattak provided insights into the current political scenario.

As election fervor would typically intensify with campaign rallies and gatherings, Khattak lamented the lack of such events due to the absence of elections. “I haven’t witnessed any rallies taking place. Even in February, I couldn’t sense any election vibes,” he emphasised.

“The fact is, elections are not on the horizon,” Khattak asserted, dispelling any speculations about imminent polls. He shared that his party is currently focused on introducing itself to the public and engaging in groundwork for the anticipated electoral contests.

Addressing the obstacle of the electoral delay, Khattak noted, “New voter registration has already begun.” He underlined his party’s commitment to democracy, expressing their eagerness for elections to be held soon.

“We don’t want elections to be postponed for more than a year,” Khattak asserted, referring to the duration they had hoped for when launching their new party.

Khattak expressed his enthusiasm about the party’s growing influence and its prospects in the forthcoming elections. “We’re content with elections being pushed forward. It’s an advantage for our new party,” he stated.

Highlighting his party’s support base, Khattak disclosed that he is accompanied by around 35 to 40 individuals who possess significant vote banks. He mentioned that these individuals are capable of contesting elections and holding their ground.

Commenting on his knowledge of key figures in each district, Khattak affirmed, “I am evaluating who to include in our party from every district.” He optimistically shared that their new party could potentially secure 13 to 14 seats if successful in the elections.

Discussing the party’s dynamics, Khattak referred to an earlier statement by the PTI Chairman that emphasized consistency in messaging. “Chairman PTI used to say, repeat 5 to 6 points repeatedly to make people believe even lies,” Khattak revealed.

Underscoring his leadership abilities, Khattak said, “I have built this (PTI) party, and I can outperform anyone.” He also mentioned his contribution to the idea of the billion tree tsunami and the concept of health cards, initially proposed by Jehangir Tareen.

Referring to his legal cases, Khattak stated that he has no case that intimidates him at the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

Khattak expressed his stance on individuals leaving his party. “Anyone leaving will take away a few people with them,” he said, suggesting that departures won’t have a substantial impact on the party.

Anticipating future gatherings, Khattak predicted, “Around 20 to 25 thousand people will attend the next event.” With over four decades of election experience, he expressed his conviction that his service to the people would ultimately draw their support.

“Once the elections are announced, the PTI chairman will realize,” Khattak stated, implying that the former prime minister would recognize their influence when elections draw near.

“The difference between urban and rural areas is stark in party politics,” Khattak observed. He highlighted that city dynamics differ from rural areas in their response to party affiliations.

Khattak recalled that Chairman PTI used to say, “Repeat 5 to 6 points again and again, so that lies appear true to people.”

Confident in his leadership capabilities, Khattak affirmed, “I have established this party and can lead the entire country.” However, he noted that the task of governing a province is distinct from leading an entire nation.

He also acknowledged the prowess of his party’s senior leadership, stating, “Imran Khan and Jehangir Tareen were the ones who brought us here.”

In a statement that hinted at unity within his party, Khattak asserted, “More people will join us.” He indicated that the inclusion of individuals from various backgrounds is expected.

With a dash of optimism, Khattak concluded, “Leading a province is difficult, let alone the entire country.” He recognized the complexities of running an entire nation, underscoring the challenge that lies ahead.

Pervez Khattak expressed his inability to foresee the PTI’s success in the upcoming elections. He said that “there are 4 to 5 cases which are quite perilous, entangling PTI.”

He commented on Pakistan’s history, stating that it often sees a day in power and another in jail.

Khattak attributed the current situation with PTI to alignment issues with institutions. Over a hundred individuals are facing military court proceedings, a situation that Khattak believes cannot be resolved easily.

Khattak noted, “I am not sensing PTI’s presence in the elections.”

Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Khattak stated that there are four to five highly precarious cases, in which PTI finds itself entangled. These cases, he mentioned, have cast a shadow over the party’s prospects.

Drawing on Pakistan’s political history, Khattak made a thought-provoking analogy, remarking, “Pakistan’s history is such that one day you’re in power, and the next, you find yourself in jail.”

Khattak pointed out that PTI’s association with various institutions has led to a contentious alignment, contributing to the party’s current predicament. “Due to confrontations with institutions, PTI has found itself in this situation,” he added.

More than a hundred individuals, according to Khattak, are currently entangled in military court cases, and the intricacies surrounding these cases make a clear resolution challenging for the PTI.