Former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) breakaway leader Pervaiz Khattak is expected to officially join Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) on February 22, sources familiar with the matter revealed to The Scoop (TS).

According to insiders speaking exclusively to The Scoop (TS), Khattak has been in frequent contact with JUI-F leadership over the past few weeks, holding discussions regarding the terms of his potential induction into the party. Sources indicate that JUI-F’s leader, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, has given his approval for Khattak’s inclusion, and an official announcement is expected to take place at a public gathering or press conference later this week.

Khattak, who formed the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Parliamentarians (PTI-P) after breaking away from PTI following the May 9 riots, has struggled to gain significant political traction in recent months. His faction, PTI-P, failed to make any substantial impact in the February 8 general elections, leading to growing speculation about his next political move.

Sources close to Khattak suggest that he views JUI-F as a viable platform to sustain his political career, especially given the challenges his faction has faced. “Khattak’s decision to join JUI-F is likely driven by his need for political survival and relevance in the changing political dynamics of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” an insider told The Scoop (TS).

Khattak’s move to JUI-F, if confirmed, is expected to significantly bolster the party’s position in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a province where JUI-F has traditionally competed with PTI for political dominance. JUI-F’s influence in the region has been growing in recent years, and Khattak’s entry into the party would give it a substantial political boost.

The potential alignment with JUI-F also marks a dramatic shift in provincial politics. Khattak, once a close ally of Imran Khan, who was a key player in PTI’s rise to power, would now be realigning himself with a party that has consistently been a vocal critic of PTI’s policies. This move underscores the shifting political alliances in Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where PTI has historically been a dominant force.

An insider familiar with the negotiations shared, “Khattak’s decision could mark a turning point in provincial politics. His influence and experience, coupled with JUI-F’s political machinery, could alter the dynamics of the province in a major way.”

Khattak, who has previously served as Defence Minister under PTI, has had a long-standing political career that spans several decades. His past includes significant shifts in party allegiance, and this latest move would add another chapter to his ever-evolving political journey.

While Khattak has not yet publicly confirmed his decision to join JUI-F, sources indicate that the formal announcement will be made soon, with a press conference planned for February 22, where Khattak is expected to be joined by Maulana Fazlur Rehman.

If Khattak’s induction into JUI-F materialises, it would not only mark the end of his association with PTI but would also serve as a sign of a broader realignment in Pakistan’s political landscape. For Khattak, JUI-F represents an opportunity to once again wield political influence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where the party’s presence has been growing stronger in recent years.

With Khattak’s move, JUI-F is poised to solidify its foothold in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, further reshaping the region’s political future in the lead-up to upcoming elections.