Introduction
Pervez Khan Khattak, born on 1 January 1950, is a Pakistani politician with a diverse political career. Initially, he served as the 22nd Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from 2013 to 2018, representing Nowshera District in the Provincial Assembly. Following this, he assumed the role of Minister of Defence from August 2018 to April 2022. During his political journey, Khattak was a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan from August 2018 until January 2023. His involvement in the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was noteworthy, where he held a senior position until July 2023. Interestingly, in July 2023, he diverged from the PTI, establishing his breakaway faction known as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Parliamentarians.
Advocating reform in Pakistan’s political system, Khattak places a strong emphasis on accountability within his administration. His initiatives include boosting education enrollment, implementing reforms in the police and security sector, spearheading an anti-polio campaign, and orchestrating various infrastructure projects, particularly those aimed at enhancing the transportation network. Beyond these immediate actions, his strategic vision involves revitalizing the local economy by actively contributing to the rebuilding of tourism in the region. Looking toward the long term, Khattak envisions industrializing the economy and streamlining bureaucratic processes for a more efficient governance structure.
Early Life and Education
Born on 25 January 1950 in the village of Manki Sharif, Pervez Khattak hails from a lineage of renowned builders in the pre-partition subcontinent, as his father, Hastam Khan Khattak, was a government contractor of high standing.[16] Being a member of the Khattak tribe, a Pashtun community,[17] Khattak commenced his educational journey at Manki Sharif Primary School and continued his studies at Pak-AIMS. Additionally, he has a history as a political worker for the PPP.
Pervez Khattak entered into matrimony twice, and as a result, he is a proud father to three sons and two daughters. His eldest son, Ishaq Khattak, has taken on the responsibility of managing the family company, which was originally established by his grandfather prior to the formation of Pakistan. Meanwhile, another son, Ibrahim Khan Khattak, holds a position as a member of the Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while Ismail Khan Khattak is pursuing his education in the United Kingdom. Notably, Khattak’s cousin, Nasrullah Khan Khattak, also held the esteemed position of Chief Minister of KP during Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s tenure as the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
Embarking on Political Path (1983):
Commencing his political journey in 1983, he laid the foundation of his career as a member of the district council.
Ministerial Stints:
Over the years, he ascended to significant positions, serving as the Irrigation Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 1988 and twice as the Minister of Industries and Production for Pakistan in 1993 and 2010.
Election Endeavors and Challenges (1990):
In the 1990 Pakistani general election, he sought a seat in the National Assembly from NA-4 Peshawar-IV, representing the Pakistan Democratic Alliance. Despite a formidable effort and securing 25,722 votes, he faced defeat at the hands of Ajmal Khattak, an Awami National Party (ANP) candidate.
Success in Provincial Politics (2008):
Political fortunes took a positive turn in the 2008 North-West Frontier Province provincial election. He clinched a seat in the Provincial Assembly from PF-13 Nowshera-II as a representative of the Pakistan Peoples Party (Sherpao) (PPP-S), defeating Mian Yahya Shah of the Pakistan Muslim League (Q) (PML(Q)) with 15,168 votes.
Transition and Leadership Shift (2013):
On 25 September 2013, he made a significant decision to relinquish his elected post as the Secretary-General of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), passing the responsibility to Jahangir Tareen.
Chief Minister's Tenure
Amidst his tenure as Chief Minister, he grappled with pressing issues, including terrorism, extremism, economic downturn, and social upheaval. Nevertheless, his leadership steered the province towards an array of ambitious plans. These encompassed institutional development, the eradication of corruption, energy production, and a comprehensive overhaul of various government sectors, with a distinct focus on Health, Education, Local Government, and Law and Order. Notable reforms were implemented across departments such as Police, Education, Health, Local Government, and Civil Works.
Upholding Good Governance: Chief Minister's Term
Dedicated to fostering good governance during his tenure, the Chief Minister prioritized initiatives to promote transparency, accountability, and the devolution of power within the province. His focus extended to improving service delivery, reinforcing the rule of law, and empowering citizens, with a special emphasis on women’s empowerment. Additionally, efforts were directed toward the fortification of institutions and other essential aspects of governance.
Termination of PTI Membership: July 12, 2023
On July 12, 2023, his affiliation with the PTI was officially terminated. This action was taken in response to his failure to respond to a show-cause notice, which had been issued in light of allegations suggesting his involvement in inciting other party members to leave.
Inauguration of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Parliamentarians (PTIP): July 17, 2023
A pivotal moment unfolded on July 17, 2023, as Khattak officially announced the establishment of his breakaway political faction, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Parliamentarians (PTIP). This revelation took place during a gathering that included other senior politicians, notably Mahmood Khan, a former Chief Minister of the province, who sat alongside Khattak during the announcement. According to a handout issued at the event, Khattak assumed the position of chief within the PTIP, and more than 57 former members of the Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa aligned themselves with the new party. The handout further elucidated that the formation of the PTIP was a response to disparities and conflicts with the PTI, particularly arising from the events surrounding the May 9 protests.
Nomination and Election as Chief Minister: May 13, 2013
On May 13, 2013, Imran Khan, the Chairman of PTI, designated Pervez Khattak for the position of Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the highest office in the province where, as of July 25, 2018, PTI held 94 out of 145 seats.[24] In the 2013 election for the CM position, Khattak secured victory with 4 votes, surpassing his closest contender from JUI-F, Maulana Lutfur Rehman, who garnered 3 votes. He subsequently spearheaded a coalition government with PTI as the leading party, joined by Jamaat-e-Islami and Awami Jamhuri Ittehad Pakistan.