Pakistan’s former Defence Minister Pervez Khattak launches new political party

- Politics - July 17, 2023
Pakistan-former-Defence-Minister-Pervez-Khattak
Pakistan-former-Defence-Minister-Pervez-Khattak

Pervez Khattak, the former Defence Minister of Pakistan, has launched a new political party in the country, adding to the already crowded political landscape. Named the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), the party aims to challenge the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government and its Prime MinisterImran Khan.

Khattak, who was a member of the PTI before forming the PDM, has been a prominent figure in Pakistani politics for many years. He served as the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province from 2013 to 2018 and was appointed as the Defence Minister in 2018, before resigning in 2019. Khattak is known to be a vocal critic of the PTI and has been critical of the government’s handling of various issues, including the economy, foreign policy, and human rights.

The launch of the PDM comes at a time when Pakistan is facing several challenges, including a struggling economy, political instability, and security concerns. The country has also been facing criticism from the international community over alleged human rights violations, particularly in the disputed region of Kashmir.

The PDM aims to address these challenges and provide an alternative to the ruling PTI government. According to Khattak, the party is committed to promoting democracy, strengthening the economy, and protecting the rights of all citizens, regardless of their ethnicity or religion. The party’s manifesto also includes promises to address corruption, improve education and healthcare, and provide employment opportunities to the youth.

The launch of the PDM has been met with mixed reactions from various quarters. While some have welcomed the formation of a new political party, others have criticized it as an attempt to further divide an already fragmented opposition. The PTI government has also dismissed the PDM’s launch, with some members calling it a “non-event.”

However, the PDM has already gained significant support from various political parties and figures across the country. The party has been endorsed by several prominent politicians, including former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who is currently in exile in the UK, and former President Asif Ali Zardari. The party has also received support from the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), the country’s largest opposition party.

The emergence of the PDM is likely to further intensify political competition in Pakistan, which has been marked by a series of controversies and power struggles in recent years. The country has seen several changes in government since its independence in 1947, with military coups and political instability being a constant feature of its history.

The PDM’s launch is also likely to have significant implications for the upcoming elections in Pakistan. The party’s leaders have already indicated that they will field candidates in the next general elections, which are scheduled to be held in 2023. The PTI government, which came to power in 2018, has been facing criticism over its handling of various issues, including the economy, foreign policy, and human rights. The party’s popularity has also been on the decline, with recent polls indicating a drop in its approval ratings.

The PDM’s launch is likely to pose a significant challenge to the PTI government, which will have to address the concerns of a growing opposition. The party’s focus on promoting democracy, improving the economy, and protecting the rights of citizens is likely to resonate with many Pakistanis who are disillusioned with the current government’s performance.

However, the PDM will also face several challenges in the coming months, including the need to build a strong organizational structure, attract more supporters, and effectively communicate its message to the masses. The party will also have to navigate the complex and often turbulent political landscape of Pakistan, which has been marked by violence and instability in the past.

In conclusion, the launch of the Pakistan Democratic Movement by former Defence Minister Pervez Khattak marks a significant development in Pakistan’s political landscape. The party’s focus on promoting democracy, strengthening the economy, and protecting the rights of citizens is likely to appeal to many Pakistanis who are disillusioned with the current government’s performance. However, the party will also face several challenges in the coming months, including the need to build a strong organizational structure and navigate the complex political landscape of the country. The PDM’s emergence is likely to further intensify political competition in Pakistan, which has been marked by instability and power struggles in the past.