"We have informed (Pervaiz) Khattak of our priorities which include establishing peace and initiating development projects in our constituencies," MPA-elect from Bannu, Shah Muhammad Khan. PHOTO: FILE
Now that the party’s mandate in the province is no longer being debated, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is drawing independent MPA into its fold.
Winning candidate from PK-65 DI Khan City-II, Samiullah Alizai, who contested as an independent, said on Saturday he has joined the PTI.
Alizai said he had held a meeting with PTI chief Imran Khan at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital, Lahore and then decided to join the party. “I have left the alliance of the independent candidates of K-P. I did it in the interest of the people of the province,” Alizai told The Express Tribune.
On March 29, Alizai and the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) had agreed upon seat adjustment for PK-65 in a press conference in Shor Kot, DI Khan. Following this, Alizai quit the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and contested as an independent.
Alizai also served as K-P’s minister for industry during the previous coalition government of Awami National Party (ANP) and PPP.
Meanwhile, independent MPAs from Bannu and Hangu announced on Saturday they have also joined PTI.
According to a statement issued by PTI’s provincial media cell, Shah Muhammad Khan, MPA-elect from Bannu, and Fareed Khan, MPA-elect from Hangu, met PTI’s K-P chief minister-designate Pervaiz Khattak and decided to join the party in the larger interest of the province.
Shah Muhammad and Fareed Khan had been part of the United Front, an alliance of eight independent candidates, who previously announced they would be joining political parties.
While talking to The Express Tribune Shah said the people voted them to power and their decision to be part of the ruling party was taken in the interest of the public. “We have informed Khattak of our priorities which include establishing peace and initiating development projects in our constituencies,” Shah concluded.
With the inclusion of independent winners, the total number of PTI MPAs in the K-P Assembly has now reached 38. Earlier, Ibadul Haq, an independent candidate from Kohistan had also joined the PTI.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 19th, 2013.
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@Jeddy: You do know that any elected official has their address and phone numbers put up on the government of Pakistan's website? Most "normal" MPAs have days where people visit them when they are in their hometowns. It was only in the last government because of insecurity most elected officials stopped visiting their constituencies. Speaking of insecurity; it's probably the biggest reason why no one can carry out their responsibilities. My only hope is things improve for the better and peace prevails, not just in KPK, but in all of Pakistan.
My Dear Brother Ahmed "There are no perfect men in this world, only perfect intentions". . . I wish PTI best of luck in KPK.
To show that they are honestly concerned about the well being of their constituents, they should provide their email addresses to the and cell phone numbers. In this way anyone facing any kind of problem can get in touch with them. Getting elected not easy, but the real work starts after being elected. Going around on a regular basis trying to resolve problems. Get involved and be involved in the day to day problems. They should have an office, in the place from where they were elected. People can visit them and they will listen to the issues which people bring to their notice. Only after knowing them can the parliament adopt resolutions in order to resolve problems. No problem can ever be discussed if an MPA spends all of his time sitting inside the provincial assembly cut off from the rest of the world
we welcome you all to celebrate Naya Pakistan.