LAHORE: Former federal minister and business tycoon Humayun Akhter Khan has parted ways with the PTI and formally joined the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) as senior vice president.

Flanked by IPP Chairman Jahangir Khan Tareen and President Abdul Aleem Khan at a press conference here on Saturday (16th of Dec, 2023) he said that he is son of the late army general Akhter Abdur Rehman and it was difficult for him to work with his former political party in the aftermath of the May 9 incidents when military sites and mausoleums of martyrs were desecrated.

“I have grown up among these military installations and mausoleums as a child and distanced myself from my former party the day the mayhem took place,” Humayun Akhter Khan added.

On selection of a constituency to contest elections, Humayun Akhter said that the decision would be taken after consultation with the IPP chairman.

Humayun Akhter Khan said he wished to work for improving the sorry plight of the common man, adding that there was a need to take decisions to put Pakistan on the path to prosperity.

“Pakistan was economically far ahead of India a few decades ago and and there is a need to stem the rot,” the veteran politician said, adding, “We will work together to steer the country out of economic challenges.”

Earlier, IPP Chairman Jahangir Khan Tareen welcomed Humayun Akhter Khan to the folds of the party and appointed him senior vice president.

He expressed hope that his inclusion would further strengthen the nascent political party.

To a query, he said dialogue is vital for the political process, adding that he met with the PML-N leadership on their invitation and they had constructive discussions.

Tareen dispelled the impression that a political party was being isolated and victimized, adding that a level playing field was available to all.

IPP President Abdul Aleem Khan said the party had not reached an election alliance with the Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N), but they were in talks with their leadership.

He said the IPP was a beacon of hope for the youth and would improve their plight.

Responding to a question, Aleem Khan said the IPP did not believe in promoting its political agenda at the cost of the lives of workers.

Newspakistan.tv/APP