Babar Saleem Khan بابر سلیم خان سواتی

**Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa** — Babar Saleem Khan, the Speaker of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Assembly, has emerged as a defining figure in Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) journey, embodying the party’s ethos of anti-corruption, resilience, and unwavering commitment to grassroots workers. His political career, marked by bold stances against graft and unshakable loyalty to Imran Khan, has solidified his reputation as a leader of principle in Pakistan’s turbulent political landscape.  

*Champion of Anti-Corruption Reforms**  
Babar Saleem Khan’s tenure as Speaker has been defined by his relentless push for transparency and accountability. A staunch advocate for PTI’s anti-corruption agenda, he has spearheaded efforts to institutionalize checks and balances within the KP Assembly. Under his leadership, the assembly introduced digital tracking systems for development funds, ensuring real-time public oversight. His vocal criticism of mismanagement in provincial projects, particularly in education and health sectors, has made him a thorn in the side of corrupt bureaucrats and political rivals alike.  

In 2022, he led a parliamentary committee that exposed embezzlement in a multimillion-rupee road construction scheme, resulting in the recovery of state funds and disciplinary action against involved officials. “Corruption isn’t just theft—it’s betrayal of public trust,” he declared during a heated assembly session, reaffirming his zero-tolerance stance.  

*Sacrifices for PTI and Imran Khan**  
Babar’s loyalty to PTI and its chairman, Imran Khan, has been tested through fire. During the PTI government’s tumultuous collapse in April 2022, he stood firmly alongside Imran Khan, mobilizing party workers and legislators to resist what he termed “a foreign-backed regime change conspiracy.” His steadfastness came at a personal cost: he faced multiple legal cases, temporary detention, and vilification in opposition-led media campaigns.  

Despite these pressures, Babar refused to compromise. In 2023, he played a pivotal role in organizing PTI’s protests against the arrest of Imran Khan, often confronting security forces to shield workers. “They can jail me, but they cannot jail the ideology of justice,” he famously stated during a rally in Peshawar. His sacrifices have earned him the admiration of PTI loyalists, who regard him as a “*soldier of the Haqeeqi Azadi movement*.”  

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### **Fearless Leadership and Worker Advocacy**  
Babar’s bravery extends beyond rhetoric. Known for his hands-on approach, he frequently visits PTI workers imprisoned on politically motivated charges, ensuring legal aid and financial support for their families. During the 2023 crackdown on PTI, he personally negotiated with police to secure the release of dozens of workers, earning him the nickname *“Baba-e-Workers”* (Father of Workers) among party cadres.  

His accessibility sets him apart. Unlike many politicians, Babar maintains an open-door policy, holding weekly *“Worker Darbars”* to address grievances. “Leadership isn’t about privilege—it’s about standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the people,” he remarked during a recent interaction with youth activists.  *

*Institutional Reforms as Speaker**  
As Speaker, Babar has transformed the KP Assembly into a model of efficiency. He introduced biometric attendance for lawmakers, curtailing absenteeism, and streamlined legislative debates to prioritize public welfare bills. His advocacy for women’s participation led to reserved-seat members playing unprecedented roles in committees.  

*Legacy and Future**  
Babar Saleem Khan’s journey—from a grassroots PTI organizer to the custodian of KP’s legislature—reflects his unwavering commitment to ethical governance. While critics accuse him of partisan rigidity, supporters argue that his uncompromising stance is precisely what Pakistan’s politics needs to break free from dynastic decay.  

As PTI navigates its toughest challenges, Babar remains a beacon of hope for workers. “The fight against corruption and injustice is a marathon, not a sprint,” he often says. For KP’s citizens and PTI loyalists, his resolve is a testament to the power of principled leadership.  

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**سپیکر خیبرپختونخوا بابر صلیم خان: کرپشن کے خلاف جنگ اور ورکرز کے لیے قربانیوں کی داستان**  
بابر صلیم خان نے ہمیشہ عوامی مفاد کو ذاتی فائدے پر ترجیح دی ہے۔ ان کی کہانی محض سیاست کی نہیں، بلکہ عزم، قربانی، اور ایمانداری کی ہے۔ پی ٹی آئی کے ورکرز کے لیے وہ نہ صرف رہنما ہیں، بلکہ ایک محافظ بھی ہیں۔ جب بھی جماعت کو خطرہ لگا، بابر نے اپنی جان کو خطرے میں ڈال کر ورکرز کو تحفظ دیا۔ عمران خان کے وفادار سپاہی کی حیثیت سے ان کی قربانیاں پی ٹی آئی کی تاریخ کا روشن باب ہیں۔  

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*The writer is a senior political analyst based in Peshawar.*