Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) came to power after 22 years of political struggle and in this long political effort, many eminent personalities joined the Imran Khan-led convoy.
One such name is Aftab Jahangir, who joined Tehreek-e-Insaaf 17 years ago and won the election from National Assembly constituency NA-252 Karachi West-V by securing 21,085 votes.
Apart from the National Assembly member, Aftab Jahangir is also serving as the Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Religious Affairs. MM News TV spoke to him about his political and social activities and achievements.
MM News: Why did you join Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI)?
Aftab Jahangir: I started my political career at the age of 17. After returning to Pakistan, I joined the Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to take forward Imran Khan’s commitment to serve the people of Pakistan, which were deprived of basic rights and needs.
MM News: The main reason for the unresolved issues of Karachi?
Aftab Jahangir: Negligence is the main reason behind Karachi’s unresolved issues. Karachi gives about 65% revenue to the Centre and 95% revenue to Sindh. Despite this, both Centre and provincial government did not pay attention to Karachi’s festering issues. If proper attention is paid to Karachi’s infrastructure, the port city can deliver even better results.
MM News: Are Sindh government’s reservations on the census justified?
Aftab Jahangir: Yes absolutely. The Sindh government’s reservations on the census are correct. The approved population figure of 16 million on the basis of the 2017 census is a travesty. As per my thinking, Karachi’s population should have been at least around 30 million. Even the distribution of resources will be unfair if the data is not correct.
MM News: Will PTI succeed in electing Karachi mayor after local body polls?
Aftab Jahangir: PTI MPAs are carrying out development work in Karachi without any discrimination. However, the water scarcity and deteriorating transport system are still the biggest issues, and if Centre fulfills its promises, including K4 and transport projects, then bringing its mayor in Karachi is not a big deal.
MM News: Why did PTI lose in Karachi’s by-elections?
Aftab Jahangir: The main reason was the lack of communication between the party’s former elected representatives and the citizens. PTI representatives failed to build a close relationship with the people. Such a relationship with the citizens helps you a lot in elections.
MM News: How true are the grouping rumors in PTI Karachi?
Aftab Jahangir: Grouping is not a new thing in any political party. Unless there are elections in the party and people are elected, groups are formed. Some people get angry when someone is given responsibility without organizational elections.
MM News: Your view on PM Imran’s development package for Karachi?
Aftab Jahangir: Karachi’s problems are not new and it is impossible to end these in a few days but the work done with the funds of Prime Minister Imran Khan has created a hope that something good is happening. However, if this work had been done consistently in the past, 75% of the issues would have been solved.
MM News: Was Dr Arif Alvi the right choice for President post?
Aftab Jahangir: It was the party’s decision to make Dr Arif Alvi the President of Pakistan, but my personal opinion is that he should have been in Parliament and he could have played a more effective role in it.
MM News: Your view on the upcoming CBC election?
Aftab Jahangir: In the past, PTI had won 5 seats in the cantonment board election but this time the party has fielded new people and now let’s sees to what extent the people trust him. However, being in Centre, PTI candidates can get benefits.
MM News: Where do you see your future in politics?
Aftab Jahangir: Joining politics was my dream. I wanted to serve the people of my beloved country and I have been trying to do that for past 17 years and it is up to the people to decide whether to elect me as their representative in future or not. And I want to end my political life in PTI.
