In a decision that coupled with current developments in the political scene, Faisal Saleh Hayat, who served as federal minister for interior under former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, announced his departure from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) again to become a part of the opponents ‘Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). Though it was anticipated earlier in the week, during a possible trip there by PML-N stalwarts Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif to Jewana, it was announced on Wednesday outside of Hayat’s residence in Shah Jewana. Oddly enough, the proclamation took place in Shehbaz Sharif’s presence alone. The party supremo Nawaz Sharif was distinctly absent.
Shehbaz Sharif said that the addition of Hayat would strengthen the PML-N considerably, especially in Jhang and Chiniot areas as well as his own electoral regions. Shehbaz invited Hayat into the party, saying his presence would further strengthen Nawaz Sharif’s leadership. He also reiterated that Nawaz Sharif is on course to become prime minister for a fourth term. Shehbaz describes Nawaz Sharif as not only a seasoned politician, but also a statesman.
Last week Faisal Saleh Hayat, who until recently belonged both to the PPP and the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), announced that he intended to change sides. A conspicuous absence The lack of PPP flags at a procession that sent his supporters to file his nomination papers for NA-108 and PP-125 also hinted at his impending departure from the PPP. A former PPP member, Hayat quit the party during Musharraf’s regime and then went to join the PML-Q. She later returned to the PPP in 2017.
In the 2018 general elections, Hayat made a bid for the PPP ticket. However, he eventually lost out to Sahibzada Muhammad Mehboob Sultan of PTI by just 600 votes in the recount. During the last election, the PML-N refrained from fielding a candidate in his constituency. Now that Hayat has rejoined the PML-N fold, future moves in Jhang, Chiniot and other areas could prove dramatic as political parties prepare for the forthcoming general elections.
