Former ANP leader Zahid Khan reportedly set to join PML-N

Ex-senator had earlier announced quitting politics, citing a shifting political landscape making his career difficult

Zahid Khan, the former spokesman and senior politician of the Awami National Party (ANP), has made the decision to part ways with the party and reportedly join the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).

Zahid, who previously served as a Senator twice—from 1997 to 2003 and again from 2009 to 2015—will officially announce his move to PML-N on Sunday (today) in a press conference, several media outlets reported.

He is expected to be joined by Federal Minister for Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan Affairs, Engineer Amir Muqam, during the event.

Throughout his political career, Zahid Khan held significant positions, including membership on various Senate committees such as Communications, Information Technology & Telecommunication, and Parliamentary Affairs. Additionally, he chaired the influential Senate Committee on Water and Power.

Earlier this year, in September, Zahid made headlines by announcing his intention to quit politics, citing a shift in the political landscape that made it increasingly difficult for him to continue his career in politics.

He expressed concerns over the growing influence of money in politics and emphasized that he had never entered the field for personal gain.

He also revealed his growing sense of exclusion from the party leadership’s priorities, which led to his decision to distance himself from day-to-day political affairs.

The leader's departure from the ANP follows the earlier resignation of another senior leader, Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour, who also announced his exit from active politics.

In May, Zahid Khan has stated that he has not yet decided whether to join another political party, despite ongoing differences with his current party.

Addressing party workers from Timergara and Balambat tehsil in Odigram, he clarified that while he had differences with ANP over the past several months, he has not made any decision about leaving the party.

Supporters from both tehsils expressed their willingness to follow Zahid's lead, indicating that they would make their own decisions once he announces his next steps regarding party affiliation.

During the meeting, participants discussed the party's weaknesses and the lack of enthusiasm among workers during the February 8 general elections.

The former senator sought suggestions from attendees to improve the party's position.

He emphasized that while there were ongoing differences with ANP, his final decision regarding his political future would be made after consulting with his party workers.

The leader criticized the current political landscape, stating that personal interests have overshadowed national concerns.

Zahid also expressed his doubts about the viability of the opposition alliance, calling it "unnatural" and predicting it would not be successful.

Reflecting on past political actions, he noted that major parties had violated the Constitution, and vowed that he would never compromise on public service.