Chakdara: Former Central Secretary of Information of the Awami National Party (ANP), Zahid Khan, has officially joined the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), marking a significant shift in the political landscape of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. His induction into the party was celebrated at a large public gathering, attended and addressed by President of Pakistan Muslim League-N Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and SAFRON, Engineer Amir Muqam.

According to Press Information Department, the event witnessed a warm reception for Federal Minister Amir Muqam, who was accompanied by a convoy of hundreds of vehicles from Chakdara to Odigram, Lower Dir. During his address, Muqam criticized the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for allegedly pushing the country towards financial instability and assured the public of PML-N’s commitment to economic recovery under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership. He highlighted the reduction in interest rates and inflation, as well as improvements in the stock market, attributing these achievements to the Prime Minister’s efforts.

Muqam also criticized the PTI-led provincial government’s financial mismanagement, accusing them of failing to pay salaries to teachers and government employees, while also expressing disapproval over national dignity issues. He emphasized the federal government’s support for the flood and militancy-affected Malakand Division, which received additional tax exemptions. Despite 12 years of governance, he noted the lack of significant infrastructure projects in the region and pledged to expedite natural gas supply once restrictions are lifted.

The Minister expressed gratitude towards Zahid Khan for joining PML-N, stating that his extensive experience would strengthen the party at both provincial and national levels. Zahid Khan, in his address, mentioned that he was inspired by the leadership and dedication of Nawaz Sharif, Shehbaz Sharif, and particularly Amir Muqam’s performance, leading to his decision to join PML-N after a 34-year political career with ANP. The event was attended by key PML-N figures from Malakand Division, demonstrating strong party support for the new alliance.