- Soon, Jahangir Tareen could introduce a new political party.
LAHORE: Seasoned politician Jahangir Khan Tareen (JKT), formerly a close aide of Imran Khan, is poised to capitalize on the wave of leaders leaving the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) by announcing his new party within the next 72 hours. This new party is expected to mainly consist of defectors from the ruling PTI.
The announcement was made during a luncheon organized in honor of JKT and his associates at the residence of former PTI leader Aleem Khan. JKT, accompanied by “prominent political figures,” is likely to declare the launch of the new political party, as per the sources.
Just a day earlier, Tareen reached out to over 100 political leaders, including both current members and those who recently parted ways with the PTI after the disturbances that took place on May 9. The ruling party has been facing repercussions after enraged PTI workers allegedly attacked sensitive military installations, such as the Lahore Corps Commander’s House and the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. These acts followed the arrest of PTI chairman Imran Khan, which led to the army referring to May 9 as a “Black Day.” The exodus of leaders from the PTI began when the government decided to try the perpetrators of the May 9 incidents in military courts.
Tareen previously held the position of secretary general in the PTI until he was disqualified from politics in 2017 by the Supreme Court due to allegations of dishonesty brought forward by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Hanif Abbasi.
Despite his disqualification, Tareen remained associated with the PTI and played a crucial role in attracting independent lawmakers to join the party after the 2018 elections. His efforts were instrumental in helping Imran Khan secure the prime ministership.
However, Tareen and Aleem Khan’s relationship with the PTI soured after they came to power. In May 2022, the former prime minister publicly disclosed the reasons behind his differences with both leaders. Khan stated that both Tareen and Aleem Khan had sought “illegal benefits” from him. Khan mentioned that Aleem Khan expected him to legalize his 300-acre land near Ravi, and when Khan refused, their differences arose. Regarding Tareen, Khan alleged that Tareen sided with individuals involved in major corruption cases, and when Khan ordered an investigation into the sugar scandal, differences emerged with Tareen.
During the recent luncheon, numerous current and former PTI leaders, including Aleem Khan and Aun Chaudhry, were in attendance. Following the meal, JKT and Aleem Khan discussed plans for the formation of a new political party, according to the sources. The participants suggested that instead of creating a pressure group, it would be more advantageous to establish a new political party that could serve as a platform for those leaving the PTI.
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