Pending decision: Hoti caught between three parties

PPP, PML-N, JUI-F claim to be on the verge of signing the former minister.

PESHAWAR: While three major political parties want former minister Khawaja Mohammad Khan Hoti to join them, he has kept everyone guessing about his decision.

Officials of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) all confirmed to The Express Tribune that Hoti may be joining them.

The former minister left Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) after taking a break from party activities nine months ago. He had joined the party last year after quitting the Awami National Party (ANP).

A senior PPP official, wishing not to be named, said that Hoti will join the party in a few days. “He has served as the PPP’s provincial president and has good relations with party members, including the president’s sister Faryal Talpur,” the PPP leader said.

However, Khawaja Hoti, when asked for his comments, denied any contact with the ruling party and said ‘who will pick up a dead horse’.

JUI-F spokesperson Haji Jalil Jan also confirmed that Hoti was about to strike a deal with his party. “About 60% of the issues have been settled, while the rest are being discussed,” he said, adding that Hoti had some demands which are being discussed, though he did not disclose the nature of these demands.

Jan also said that a crucial meeting of the former minister was scheduled with Maulana Attaur Rehman in Islamabad yesterday (Friday).

The PML-N was not to be left behind. Its spokesperson Nasir Musazai also claimed that Hoti has held talks with the party’s provincial chief Pir Sabir Shah and senior leader Sardar Mehtab Ahmed Khan.

Musazai also claimed that Hoti’s joining is nearly confirmed, adding that it was expected to be announced some time back during party chief Mian Nawaz Sharif’s trip to Khyber- Pakhtunkhwa. The trip, however, was postponed due to protests against a blasphemous movie.

Hoti said that he has spoken to members of both parties. “I respect all political parties. My decision will be announced in a few days,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 6^th, 2012.