In an attempt to capitalize on the mass exodus of leaders from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), seasoned politician Jahangir Khan Tareen (JKT) — once Imran Khan’s closest aide — is expected to announce his new political party, mostly made up of defectors from the former ruling party, within the next 72 hours, according to reliable sources.
The news broke during a luncheon organized at the home of former PTI leader Aleem Khan in honor of JKT and his aides. According to the sources, Jahangir Tareen will announce the creation of a new political party, accompanied by “important political personalities.”
A day earlier, Tareen spoke on the phone with more than 100 political figures, both current PTI officials and those who had recently said goodbye to the party following the chaos of May 9.
Following the arrest of party chairman Imran Khan on May 9 — a day the army dubbed “Black Day” — enraged PTI workers are accused of attacking sensitive military facilities, including the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi and the Lahore Corps Commander’s House. The former ruling party has been feeling the heat of the state’s might. The government’s choice to have the May 9 vandals tried in military courts caused a leadership exodus from the party.
Tareen was instrumental in persuading independent MPs to join the Imran Khan-led PTI following the 2018 elections despite being disqualified and remaining a PTI member. His efforts were crucial in helping Khan win the position of prime minister in 2018.
However, Tareen and Aleem Khan’s ties with the PTI soured when they took office.
The former prime minister explained his issues with both leaders in May 2022 and said that they both wanted “illegal benefits from him.”
Khan said on a podcast that his disputes with both leaders stemmed from his refusal to grant their requests. Khan was ousted from the government by a vote of no-confidence in April of last year.
“Aleem Khan expected me to legalize his 300-acre land near Ravi”, Khan said, adding “From then onwards, I developed differences with him.”
While talking about Tareen, Khan said: “Tareen stood with those who are the biggest dacoits in the country. When I ordered a probe into the matter [sugar scandal], differences developed with Tareen.”
During the luncheon today, a large number of current and former leaders of the PTI, including Aleem Khan and Aun Chaudhry were among the attendees of the event.
Following the lunch, JKT and Aleem Khan discussed a plan for a new political party, the sources added.
“Instead of forming a pressure group, we should form a new political party,” the participants suggested to JKT.
“Those who are parting ways with the PTI should be provided a new platform,” the participants said.
Also read: PTI confirms Jahangir Tareen’s meeting with Shahbaz Sharif
Jahangir Khan Tareen is a Pakistani businessman and politician who is the majority shareholder and CEO of JDW Group, a conglomerate specialised in sugar manufacturing, biomass cogeneration, paper manufacturing, sugarcane farming, and aviation services.
