SWABI: The social media on Saturday was abuzz with the news that former provincial health minister Shahram Khan Tarakai’s family has decided to leave Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf and may either rejuvenate their former party, Awami Jamhoori Ittehad Pakistan (AJIP), or join a political entity of their choice soon.
AJIP, which was established by Shahram’s family, was merged into PTI in October 2015.
Shahram along with his uncles, Mohammad Ali Tarakai and Usman Khan Tarakai, had emerged victorious in the 2018 general elections, while Shahram’s father, Liaqat Khan Tarakai, had returned as a senator on PTI ticket.
Political observers here in Swabi believe Shahram and his family may no longer remain part of PTI, and adopt a new political route soon.
They said that the family had only one choice, to join Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, as Awami National Party had already awarded tickets for five provincial and two national assembly
constituencies here, and Pakistan Peoples Party had already been joined by Usman Tarakai, who is now Shahram’s arch-rival.
They said Shahram’s family was unlikely to join either Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl or Jamaat-i-Islami.
They said rejuvenation of AJIP was also one of the options.
When contacted, Ramzan Chaudhry, spokesperson of the Tarakai family, said they had not yet made any decision to leave PTI, and whenever they decided that would be shared with media.
GRANTED BAIL: The Anti-Terrorism Court, Mardan, on Saturday granted bail to Abdul Karim, adviser to the former chief minister on industry. However, he couldn’t be released from jail as he is wanted in a corruption case.
The anti-corruption establishment has registered an FIR against him for making illegal appointments in the education department.
It was learnt that officials at the judicial lockup and security personnel were now allowing family members to meet him.
A few days ago, he had told Dawn that despite tremendous pressure he won’t leave PTI.
BODY RECOVERED: Rescue 1122 divers on Saturday recovered the body of a young man, Waqar Khan, who had drowned in the Indus River a week ago.
The deceased, hailing from Maneri Bala village, had drowned in the Ghazi Brotha Dam area. His body was found in the Attock area.
Published in Dawn, July 23rd, 2023