Bakht Baidar’s lawsuit against Imran stands between parties. PHOTO: FILE
Bakht Baidar is a man who needs little introduction. Pervez Khattak initially enjoyed Baidar’s company in cabinet meetings but things took an unpleasant turn when PTI pushed to remove him over corruption allegations.
Soon after Baidar moved a defamation suit against Imran. Now that the movers and shakers of both parties have agreed to bury the hatchet, Baidar refuses to forget Imran’s tirade against him on national television.
It’s only personal
The lawmaker from Lower Dir admits he has no objection over the reunion. “I am pursuing the lawsuit in personal capacity,” he tells The Express Tribune. Yet he believes there is a way out. “Pukhtun culture binds Imran to withdraw his statement or else arrange a jirga to arrive at a solution.”
To a question, Baidar admitted a few weeks ago Khattak told him he would pay a visit to Baidar’s house. “He never turned up.” Reluctantly so, he agreed to withdraw the lawsuit only if PTI leaders approach him “in accordance with Pukhtun traditions.”
Both Baidar and his fellow former QWP minister Ibrar Hussain Tanoli have been distanced from the possible coalition. Both were in the thick of government affairs until November 2013. Party leaders have reason to believe Baidar will no more cause problems for the union.
Back in the fold
A meeting of the two parties was scheduled for Tuesday in Islamabad but was postponed due to the death of Khattak’s first cousin. “So far a new date has not been set,” QWP spokesperson Tariq Khan said.
Tariq added the two sides have however agreed to add Sikandar Hayat Sherpao and Abdul Karim Khan in the cabinet and to appoint Anisa Zeb Tahirkheli as the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly’s deputy speaker. “Arshad Umarzai will be either made an adviser to the CM or a parliamentary secretary.”
According to sources, QWP’s ministers should assume office before Eidul Azha and Umarzai’s appointment should be made once the festival is over. Arrangements for Tahirkheli will be made once the legislature resumes proceedings.
Clear field
In the PTI camp, resistance against QWP’s induction died down after Ziaullah Afridi’s troubles. He was one of the staunch opponents of the idea.
QWP’s inclusion might make life easy for Khattak as his strength in the legislature is on the decline. Two of Jamaat-e-Islami’s lawmakers have been ousted while two of Khattak’s own men have been de-seated over the violation of party discipline.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 17th, 2015.
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