Humayun Khan--from a tailor to head of PTI in Kohat

Delawar Jan

PESHAWAR: Humayun Khan is familiar with a clatter sewing machine he operated for his whole life and only knows the art of making clothes. His managerial skills are limited to running a two-member tailoring shop he opened three decades ago after working for years as daily wager.

Now he has been tasked with a difficult job. The tailor, who is commonly known as Mayo Pehilwan, has been elected to lead Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) in Kohat district, thanks to intra-party election. Running the Khyber Pakhtukhwa’s most popular party, according to polls, in a key district demands from him to exhibit leadership skills. The new job will also pit him against the affluent and heavyweight political leaders that are working for other parties.  

A PTI leader said it’s an alarm bell for the status quo politicians and a clear message what workers wanted. The poor man has now a message for the people of Punjab and Sindh: “Reject landlords and traditional politicians.” The new district chief of the PTI for Kohat has asked others to follow the suit elsewhere by electing sincere leaders.

“The people of Kohat have set an example. People in Punjab and Sindh should also elect sincere people to bring change,” he told The News by phone. Humayun Khan defeated a ‘wealthy and strong’ candidate Malik Munir Bangash by securing 199 against 177.

The intra-party election result in Kohat surprised many, not only in Kohat but also in the province. This is what real intra-party election can do, he and other PTI leaders said. Every morning, he and one of his three sons leave home for the ‘Kohati Tailor’ shop in Gilani Market in Kohat. He has been associated with the profession since the “early days of Ayub Khan’s martial law,” when he started to learn tailoring at the age of six after dropping out in 2nd class. He did not disclose his daily or monthly income but said he managed to make both ends meet.

Humayun Khan said the PTI workers who had fielded him for the post of Kohat president had supported him financially. “I did not spend even five rupees on my election campaign. Workers raised funds for the election contest,” he said.

PTI decided to hold intra-party election last year and asked workers to choose their leaders themselves. Election at district and tehsil level was the second phase which was marred by violence in some districts. As crucial stages approach, enthusiasm and campaign is picking up among candidates and workers. The party will arrange election for chapters of different regions and the province in February, which will be followed by election for the central leadership.

Humayun said he joined PTI eight years ago. “I had no affiliation with any party till eight years ago. Then I saw Imran Khan speaking to a public gathering in Kohat. His passion and commitment convinced me to join PTI,” he said.

His participation in party activities and sincerity prompted PTI workers to field him for the crucial election. He is happy that he was elected district president of the party, though he is aware of the challenge ahead. “It worries me that running the party and competing other political parties is not an easy job without money. But with committed workers and hard work, we can do the trick,” he remarked. Mayo Pehilwan said he would work for strengthening his party and serving people.

Shah Farman, spokesman for PTI in KP, said it was a harbinger of change in the country. “PTI workers clearly conveyed the message what they want. This shows the workers’ mindset that they could accept an unknown person but not the one with bad reputation,” he said.

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