Former PPP senator Waqar Ahmed Khan joins PML-N

Former federal minister for privatisation and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) senator Waqar Ahmed Khan on Wednesday announced his decision to join the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).

Addressing the media alongside PML-N Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s President Amir Muqam, Waqar Ahmad Khan stated that his political orientation revolves around serving the people, with national interest taking precedence over personal goals.

Uniting all political parties on a common platform demands skill, he noted, emphasising the country’s requirement for stability and experienced leadership.

The former minister highlighted that Nawaz Sharif’s team, during his three terms as prime minister, is credited with saving Pakistan from economic challenges and steering clear of default.

Waqar emphasised that political stability was essential for any country, serving as a prerequisite for achieving economic stability. He hoped that under the leadership of Ishaq Dar, PML-N would possess the most competent economic team to navigate the country through challenging times.

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Amir Maqam stated that, guided by Nawaz Sharif’s leadership, politicians nationwide are aligning themselves with the PML-N. He added that numerous individuals from K-P are also set to join the PML-N

The development comes as the PML-N gears up for the upcoming general elections, scheduled to be held on February 8. 2024.

The party has already established an alliance with Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) in Sindh whereas it also accepted several former key leaders of the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) into its fold.

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Eminent scholar Professor Dr Hassan Askari said that Nawaz Sharif apparently went to Balochistan to tell people that PML-N was going to form the next government. Therefore, the professor said, “The stampede to join PML-N is because they all want to be on the bandwagon.”

Usually, the professor said, politicians change parties and loyalties after they get signals from the powerful stakeholders and that’s what is happening in Balochistan and elsewhere. “They see where the blessing is; BAP marches where the blessing is,” Professor Askari said, “and they respond positively to signals.”

Professor Askari noted that no political party has any ideology in Pakistan as their top priority is to keep the adversaries away and for that, they are ready to do anything. He said that all political parties have the aim of coming to power by hook or crook. “The objective is to grab power and avail the goodies that come with it,” he said.