Former PPP senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar has indicated that politicians are preparing for the upcoming general elections in Pakistan and will announce the formation of a new political party this month.
Earlier this year, Khokhar, along with former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and former Finance Minister Miftah Ismail, organized a series of seminars called ‘Reimagining Pakistan’ to address the country’s challenges and build consensus on future actions.
Initially, they denied plans to turn this campaign into a political party, but more recently, both Khokhar and Ismail have acknowledged the urgent need and space for a new political party in Pakistan. They have also been trying to persuade Abbasi to join their cause.
In an interview, when asked about the timeline for forming the new party, Khokhar responded, “God willing, this month.” He also mentioned a proposal to form the party after the elections but expressed his preference for doing so before the elections.
If established, this would be another political party entering the election arena. Other recently formed parties include breakaway factions from the PTI: Jehangir Tareen’s Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party (IPP) and Pervez Khattak’s Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Parliamentarians (PTI-P), both of which have attracted prominent members from the PTI.
Redefining Politics
Khokhar explained the need for a new party by pointing to the perceived “failure” of existing parties in delivering on their promises of reform and progress. He emphasized the importance of avoiding the label “pro-establishment” and acknowledged the historical apprehensions in the country’s political landscape.
Regarding Abbasi’s hesitation to join the new party, Khokhar described it as a significant decision for the senior PML-N leader. Abbasi himself mentioned the need for a new party, stating that existing parties needed comprehensive reforms.
These developments come as political parties gear up for the upcoming elections. The Election Commission of Pakistan has announced that the polls will be held in January next year, although it has not specified any exact date. The 2023 digital census recently prompted officials to rearrange preliminary delimitations of electoral districts.
Khokhar, Abbasi, and Ismail have garnered attention from the media and commentators for their initiative, frequently appearing in interviews and high-profile seminars.
