Saifullah brothers may announce new political party

PESHAWAR: The Saifullah brothers are all set to announce the formation of their own political party in the next few weeks, a reliable source told The News.

Three Saifullah brothers, Humayun Saifullah Khan, Salim Saifullah Khan and Anwar Saifullah Khan have served on important government positions, remained ministers besides serving as provincial president of different political parties in the past. Anwar Saifullah and Salim Saifullah, who remained provincial president of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) in the past, are active members of their respective parties.

Salim Saifullah, who remained provincial president and central secretary general of PML-Q, later joined the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).

Though, Humayun Saifullah has also served as provincial minister and District Nazim for Lakki Marwat, presently he is not aligned with any political party. As the three brothers enjoy good relations with politicians in political parties, they are reported to have invited likeminded persons and dissidents from other parties to join them.

It was learned that some personalities in KP have given assurance to join them.“The dissidents in the PML-N and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will announce joining the new party,” the source said, adding: “The new political party will field candidates for almost all seats in the southern districts in the next general election.”

A team of experts is finalizing the manifesto for the new party. When contacted, Malik Riaz, spokesperson for Saifullah brothers said consultations for the formation of the new party was going on, but the final decision would be made by the elder brother, Humayun Saifullah. However, he did not disclose the names of personalities expected to join the new party but said that important politicians are in contact with the Saifullahs throughout the province. He said on the return of Humayun Saifullah, the decision would be made when and where to launch the new party.