Plans for new party on hold until after polls: Khokhar

Former PPP senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar on Saturday revealed that the formation of a new political party is being temporarily halted to avert potential associations with the "pro-establishment" tag.

However, Khokhar emphasised that these plans will be resumed after the February 8 general elections.

Khokhar clarified rumours surrounding Miftah Ismail's departure from politics, asserting that Ismail remains active and intends to join forces with Khokhar and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi after the elections.

"He's inherently driven by politics; he won't remain on the sidelines," Khokhar affirmed, " during an interview with a private TV channel.

Khokhar hinted at the trio's potential collaboration post-elections.

It is pertinent to note that Khokhar, along with ex-PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and former finance minister Miftah Ismail, initially organised seminars to address Pakistan's challenges.

Although they didn't plan to form a party initially, they decided in October that a new party was urgently needed.

Read also: Abbasi says will not contest polls

During the interview, Khokhar said that conditions were being orchestrated to favour PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif's re-election as prime minister for a fourth term by establishing a conducive "simple majority" atmosphere.

“When his main competitor — PTI — is being weakened, as we can see happening, there is no doubt that a path is being created for him,” the former senator said.

On Friday, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) ruled against permitting the PTI to keep its 'bat' electoral symbol for the upcoming February 8 elections.

Khokar further noted that Nawaz was aware of how the “ladla” (blue-eyed) tag was negatively impacting his public image.

"The expeditious manner in which he's been granted release in all legal matters is unprecedented for an ordinary criminal," Khokhar said, pointing out the evident favouritism of Punjab authorities toward Nawaz.

He further asked why taxpayer money was being “wasted” in the electoral process “if major decisions were being made behind closed doors anyway”.

When asked about the finality of elections being held on Feb 8, Khokhar said the Supreme Court gave a clear message that they won’t allow anything to derail the elections from its prescribed date.