In a significant development, Jahangir Khan Tareen (JKT), a prominent figure in Pakistani politics, made progress in his mission to unite defectors from the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. Several key players from Imran Khan’s team joined forces with Tareen during a gathering in Lahore. Former PTI stalwarts such as Fawad Chaudhry, Amir Kiyani, Ali Zaidi, Imran Ismail, Mahmood Maulvi, Firdous Ashiq Awan, Ajmal Wazir, Nauraiz Shakoor, and Fayyazul Hasan Chohan were among those who embraced their “new boss” with smiles on their faces.
Interestingly, some of these former PTI members had initially announced a temporary break from politics when they quit the party after the May 9 incidents. However, their break lasted only a couple of weeks before they formally joined Tareen’s new political camp. Additionally, former Punjab minister Murad Raas, who had formed the “Democrats” group along with Hashim Dogar, decided to align himself with Tareen’s camp, enticed by the promise of a good position in the new party that Tareen is set to launch soon.
According to Awn Chaudhry, a member of the JKT camp, the new party will be called the “Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party” (IPP). While Tareen may be referred to as the “Quaid” (leader) of the new party, property tycoon Aleem Khan reportedly aims to secure the president’s position. This new party, known as the “king’s party,” is expected to play a significant role in Punjab politics during the upcoming general elections. Many PTI deserters and electives from South Punjab have already joined Tareen’s group.
During the gathering, three former PTI leaders from South Punjab—Sajjad Bokhari, Tasneem Gardezi, and Jahanzeb Warren—publicly announced their affiliation with the JKT group. Several other political figures, including a former adviser to CM Ali Gilani, ex-lawmakers Mumtaz Mahrvi, Azmat Chishti, Mehr Irshad Kathia, and retired Major Khurram Rokhari, also met Tareen and joined his group.
There is fierce competition between the JKT group and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) to attract electives and PTI deserters from South Punjab in order to strengthen their chances in the region for the next elections. Former president Asif Ali Zardari has been in Lahore for a week, working to bolster the PPP’s position in the face of a “fractured” PTI. The PML-Q led by Chaudhry Shujaat Husain has yet to gain the support of any prominent political figures.
Over 100 PTI stalwarts and legislators who resigned from the party following the events of May 9 are now seeking new opportunities to advance their political careers. The exodus from PTI continues as more “loyalists of Imran Khan” bid farewell to him each day in search of relevance in politics.
Last week, Murad Raas, self-appointed head of the “Democrats,” claimed that he and Hashim Dogar had formed a group comprising 35 former lawmakers. However, they did not provide details of the lawmakers who were supposed with them. Nevertheless, Raas met Tareen on Wednesday and joined forces with him, indicating a shift in his allegiance.
It is estimated that over 100 former PTI lawmakers and leaders attended the reception at Aleem Khan’s residence, demonstrating the growing
