Entire nation stands by me: Pervez Khattak

Former defence minister, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) chief minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) loyalist Pervez Khattak has said that he was respected across the country, and was the kind of person with whom the entire nation stands.

Khattak’s statement comes days after he announced his decision to join Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F).

The former PTI leader last week met JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and confirmed his decision to join the party. His brother, Liaqat Khattak, was also present during the meeting.

The two leaders held extensive discussions before finalising the move.

It may be noted that Khattak was the provincial president of the PTI in KP. He served as provincial chief executive during the PTI tenure from 2013 to 2018.

However, in June 2023, Khattak announced his resignation from all positions of the party in the wake of May 9 incidents and the arrest of party chief Imran Khan.

In a jibe at Khan on Saturday, Khattak labeled him the “biggest liar of Pakistan”.

“Imran Khan made false promises merely to secure votes,” said the former PTI leader.

Speaking at a large public gathering in his hometown of Manki Sharif, Khattak claimed that the people of the province were now regretting their choices in the last elections.

“Politics is not a joke where anyone can claim to serve the people as per their wishes,” Khattak told the crowd.

“I am glad that those who voted for the wrong and incompetent candidates are now realising their mistake.”

Reflecting on his tenure, Khattak highlighted his achievements, including the provision of electricity and clean drinking water to villages, the installation of tube wells for agricultural land, road and street construction, as well as the upgrading of hospitals and schools.

He stressed that he had always prioritised public welfare and worked tirelessly for political progress.

Turning his criticism towards the ex-premier, Khattak accused Khan of deceiving the public with false promises.

“Imran Khan is Pakistan’s biggest liar. He misled people to win votes,” he said.

“The elected members from the last elections will soon be forced to flee due to public pressure,” Khattak added, assuring supporters that he remained committed to serving the people and would continue fighting for their rights.