Veteran politician and former federal minister Jahangir Tareen is reportedly considering joining the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), following the underwhelming performance of his own political outfit, Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP).
Sources suggest that Tareen recently held a meeting with PPP Punjab President Makhdoom Ahmad Mahmood, fueling speculation about a potential shift in political alignment. Although no formal announcement has been made, some reports indicate a possible meeting between Tareen and PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari in the near future.
Tareen has largely stayed away from the political spotlight since facing defeat in the 2024 general elections from both Multan and Lodhran constituencies. His meeting with Mahmood has officially been described as business-related, and no confirmation has emerged regarding a political comeback or party switch.
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Once a close confidant of Imran Khan, Tareen played a significant role in shaping Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) success during the 2018 elections. Though disqualified by the courts ahead of the polls, he was instrumental in gathering support from independent candidates, helping PTI form a majority government.
Tareen’s political journey began under General Pervez Musharraf’s regime, initially affiliating with the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), before joining PTI in 2012. His influence in southern Punjab remains notable, making him a potentially valuable asset for any party seeking to strengthen its presence in the region.