Low visibility issues: PML-N big four in hot water as workers gear up for revolt

Heads of 17 districts launch ‘Party Bachao Tehrik’

PESHAWAR:

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has landed itself in hot water in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) as party members express resentment against four main leaders. As the party slowly recedes in the province, workers accuse these four of dismantling it with their biased approach and unscrupulous methods. 

PML-N leaders Governor Mehtab Ahmad Khan, Adviser to PM Amir Muqam, Senator Iqbal Zafar Jhagra and Rehmat Salam Khattak are the focus of criticism. Party members say they failed to address issues and communicate grass-root grievances to the central leadership, including Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

In retaliation, PML-N workers belonging to 17 districts have launched Party Bachao Tehrik or Save the party movement, urging the top leadership to intervene and rescue the party from the clutches of these leaders.

Enough is enough

A senior PML-N leader, who requested not to be named, told The Express Tribune provincial president Pir Sabir Shah seems to have lost control. All party matters in K-P are being controlled by these four people, he added. “The party position in the province is evident from recent local government results; those responsible for the defeat are not many – just four who enjoy perks and privileges from the federal government,” he pointed out.

The PML-N leader said they earlier decided to hold a sit-in in Islamabad on November 6 to protest the situation. However, on request of Shah, the demonstration has been postponed till November 20.

Revolt, the only way out

“Some have labelled us as disloyal but if demanding rights for party workers is disloyalty, then we are disloyal and we will continue to revolt,” said PML-N senior vice president Waqif Khan.

He said, “I don’t care if I am replaced but I will fight and can even seek legal assistance if needed.” Waqif added, “The current crisis will weaken PML-N more in future.” Waqif thought if the situation is not brought under control then PML-N would find it very hard to even find candidates for the next general elections.

No more injustice

PML-N district president Sattar Khalil said, “Hazara and Malakand divisions, Peshawar and southern districts have become no-go areas for party workers.” Khalil added, “Since Hazara is controlled by Mehtab, Malakand by Muqam, Peshawar by Jhagra and southern districts are being run by Khattak.”

He complained these leaders kept the top party leadership in the dark over various issues and workers are determined to hold a sit-in in the federal capital.

The Peshawar president demanded Jhagra should immediately resign from the party and district bodies should be allowed to work independently.

Criticising Muqam, Khalil added, “We have yet to be contacted by the PML-N central leadership and time will differentiate between good and bad friends since many have recently joined the party but has hijacked it.”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 13^th, 2015.