Sir: Despite the fact that Prime Minister elect Imran Khan had promised the country many times that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) would be a truly democratic political party, his new stepdaughter Mehrunisa Hayat has now joined the PTI. Though it is possible that Ms. Hayat joined the party out of a true desire to help the country, it should be remembered that her mother and Imran Khan’s new wife Bushra Maneka is a faith healer or Pir. Pirs have always played a crucial role in Pakistani politics because they are very effective at securing votes from those areas where they are influential. Therefore, one cannot be blamed of being suspicious. Going forward, the PTI’s opponents will without a doubt use Ms. Hayat’s entry to the PTI to target Imran Khan’s rhetoric and paint him as a hypocrite. He needs to be aware of this and stay prepared. The best way to counter these accusations would be by making sure that Ms. Hayat is treated the same way as any other new party member. SHAHID USMAN Rawalpindi Published in Daily Times, August 7th 2018.