Former PPP senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar has announced that the plans to create a new political party have been put on hold to avoid being labeled “pro-establishment”. However, he stated that the plans will be resumed after the February 8 general elections. Earlier this year, Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, and former finance minister Miftah Ismail held a series of seminars called ‘Reimagining Pakistan’ to address the country’s challenges and develop a consensus on the future course of action. While there were no initial plans to create a political party, the trio solidified their decision in October, recognizing an “urgent need” for a new political party in the country. Other newly formed parties include PTI breakaway factions Jehangir Tareen’s Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party (IPP) and Pervez Khattak’s Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Parliamentarians (PTI-P), which have attracted prominent members of the party. Both Khokhar and Abbasi are mindful of the risk of being labeled “pro-establishment” if they create a political party before the elections. They believe the space for a new party will still exist after the elections. Khokhar expressed hope that the trio would join forces after the elections. He also believes that there is an environment being created for PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif to be elected prime minister for a fourth term. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has decided not to let the PTI retain its ‘bat’ electoral symbol for the upcoming election on Feb 8. Khokhar also addressed concerns about the perception of Nawaz Sharif and questioned the use of taxpayer money in the electoral process if major decisions are being made behind closed doors. However, he believes that the Supreme Court has made it clear that they won’t allow anything to derail the elections from its scheduled date.