JI set to quit K-P coalition govt

Announces the move after a meeting with CM Pervez Khattak

PESHAWAR: After enjoying its share in the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) for five years, the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has decided to quit the ruling alliance, led by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), by the coming week.

This was announced on Wednesday by JI provincial chief Mushtaq Ahmed Khan at a press briefing after a JI delegation – comprising Khan, Senior Minister Local Government Inayatullah Khan and Finance Minister Muzaffar Said – met with K-P Chief Minister Pervez Khattak.

“We are leaving the coalition with good intensions and will announce quitting the government at a joint press conference with CM Khattak. We will not be part of any efforts to weaken the K-P government and support it in the time of need,” he said.

Khan said the move was unavoidable after the restoration of the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA). “Quitting the K-P government is not because of any differences with the PTI,” he added.

Sources in the party said differences emerged between the JI and the PTI in the wake of the Bank of Khyber scandal in which the bank published an advertisement against Muzaffar Said of the JI.



“The JI was also against the PTI’s decision to take loans worth billions of rupees and waste lots of money on Peshawar’s beautification projects. The JI is also unhappy with the PTI over affairs related to the K-P Ehtesab Commission,” they added.

Last week, JI chief Sirajul had accused the PTI of taking dictation from the establishment during last month’s election for the Senate top slots. The PTI spokesperson had rejected the claim and accused Haq of playing in the hands of the ruling party.

The K-P government issued a statement after the meeting between the JI delegation and Khattak. It said the coalition partners agreed on modalities for joint nominations for the caretaker government in K-P.

The delegation discussed in detail issues related to provincial rights and vowed to jointly work for protecting the rights of K-P. They also discussed the upcoming budget and the province’s economic situation.

The CM appreciated the dedication, competence and spirit of the JI ministers in his cabinet and thanked them for the support extended during the past about five years, said the statement.