In the midst of the crumbling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, Jahangir Khan Tareen has enlisted the support of former Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas. However, a senior Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader has denied rumors that this emerging group, led by Tareen, will become a new “king’s party.” Simultaneously, former PTI leaders Hashim Dogar and Murad Raas are working to form their own faction following the events of May 9.
Contrary to the notion of a dominant party, PPP leader Makhdoom Ahmad Mahmood emphasized that all political players now stand on an equal footing for the upcoming general elections. Mahmood dismissed the idea of a “king’s party” and expressed confidence in the PPP’s growing strength in South Punjab. He also claimed that even PTI supporters would vote for the PPP in the upcoming polls.
Addressing the possibility of a caretaker setup after the current federal government’s tenure ends, Mahmood suggested that if the caretaker government succeeds in improving the economy, it could remain in power for six months. He also mentioned that a committee has been formed between the PPP and its federal ally, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), to explore seat adjustments.
Meanwhile, the group led by Jahangir Tareen held a meeting in Lahore, with Sardar Tanveer Ilyas, the former prime minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, in attendance. Ilyas confirmed his alliance with Tareen and announced their intention to move forward together. The group is also considering the formation of a new political party, and discussions are underway with other former PTI leaders who may join them soon.
On another front, Hashim Dogar, a former PTI member, revealed that over two dozen like-minded party defectors are planning to meet and discuss their future course of action. However, Dogar clarified that their political activities would be directed against the PML-N and PPP.
With the PTI experiencing a mass exodus since the May 9 riots, Tareen’s group, along with the PML-Q and PPP, are aggressively trying to recruit as many defectors as possible to strengthen their ranks before the general elections.
As Jahangir Tareen strives to obtain clearance from the Supreme Court to lead the new political entity, the situation within the PTI remains unstable. More than 100 party leaders and former lawmakers have parted ways with the PTI, posing a significant challenge to the party’s stability.