ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader Miftah Ismail said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chief Imran Khan had surpassed all political leaders in popularity in recent opinion poll.

Miftah along with Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, and Mustafa Khokhar, who had earlier come up with idea of seminars on ‘Reimagining Pakistan’, is also presently testing waters for launch of political party.

He disclosed that they had also done public opinion survey in July this year, which showed Imran way ahead of all in popularity.

Three believe significant number of voters, who are presently inclined towards Imran Khan and PTI for their rejection of PML-N, can be attracted by new political party because neither staunch supporters of Imran Khan nor of Nawaz would vote for any other political party.

Through leading entity, conducting public opinion polls, Miftah said they have also got survey done to assess popularity of different political parties and leaders. Their reading of survey report made them reach conclusion of need for new political party.

What Abbasi said about his political future in Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and about need for new political party is part of trio’s strategy to test waters before reaching final decision.

Abbasi, Miftah, and Mustafa are presently discussing launch of political party with different people besides encouraging discussion on issue in media and social media to assess whether it is doable option.

Among three, Khokar is more keen to launch party than other two who are not fully clear as yet whether they should do it or not.

In view of post-May 9 difficult situations faced by Imran Khan and his party, PTI, it is believed new political party may attract significant voters (not staunch supporters) of PTI, who would never vote for PMLN or other political party in Punjab.

Miftah got cold shoulder from PML-N top leadership for publicly defending his economic solutions, which are different from that of Ishaq Dar’s.

Abbasi has started distancing himself from PML-N top leadership for last several months.

Abbasi also did not show his keenness in the PML-N ticket for next elections, while he had already declined to continue as senior vice-president of party after Maryam Nawaz was announced as senior vice-President and chief organiser of PML-N.

Published in The Daily National Courier, September, 28 2023

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