Khattak says he believed in serving masses

HARIPUR/NOWSHERA: Former defence minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-Parliamentarians (PTIP) Chairman Pervez Khattak on Wednesday said that he had no differences with anyone and wanted to expose those who ruined the economy and burdened the country with under heavy debt.

Talking to reporters here, he said that he had made up his mind to quit the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) four years back. He said that he formed his political party to expose the elements, who only did lip service and did not serve the people.

A lawyer, Zafir Khan Tareen, a candidate for PK-46, announced joining the PTIP on this occasion.

Pervez Khattak said that he had no regret after quitting the PTI as he had decided to part ways with it four years back. He said that the PTI forgot its manifesto and indulged in lip service instead of serving the masses. While taking credit for the development agenda of former prime minister Imran Khan, he claimed that it was he who implemented the PTI manifesto in real sense as it was his vision and thinking rather than Imran Khan’s. He claimed that he approved heavy funding for developmental projects in Haripur like Bypass Road, Fachhochschule university, roads, colleges, upgradation of schools and a number of other uplift schemes during his stint as chief executive of the province. He also took the credit for the reforms in the police, health, education and revenue departments and added that he was voted to power in the province for reforms and bringing prosperity. But in the same breath, he accused the PTI’s federal government of depriving KP of development projects.

He blamed PTI for burdening the country under heavy debt, price-hike and joblessness. Confident of his victory in the next general election slated for February 8, 2024, Pervez Khattak said that his party would emerge victorious.