Jahangir Tareen, a former leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and a sugar baron, has announced the formation of a new political party called Istehkam-e-Pakistan (Stability of Pakistan). The party comprises more than 100 former members of the National and Provincial Assemblies who have defected from PTI.
Tareen, who was formerly regarded as Khan’s close adviser and the PTI secretary-general, was expelled from the party after he was accused of wrongdoing in the sugar scandal that shook the nation during PTI tenure. He was charged with using his power to control sugar prices and obtain subsidies. He refuted the accusations and said he was the target of a “political witch-hunt.”
Tareen has been rallying support from various PTI lawmakers who have left the party after May 9. He has also reached out to other Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), to form a united front against the Imran Khan’s PTI. He has stated that his new party will endeavor to ensure both the stability of the nation and the well-being of its citizens.
Some of the prominent politicians who have joined Tareen’s new party are former Sindh Governor Imran Ismail, former Federal Minister Ali Haider Zaidi, former Federal Minister Aamir Kayani, former Federal Minister Firdous Ashiq Awan, former Provincial Ministers Fayyazul Hasan Chauhan and Dr. Murad Raas, and former FATA Senator G G Jamal. Tareen has also attracted some members of PTI’s “Hashim Dogar group”, such as Raja Yawar Kamal, Mamoon Tarar, and Rai Aslam.
Tareen’s new party is expected to make its formal debut in the upcoming elections. It remains to be seen how much impact it will have on the political landscape of Pakistan and whether it will be able to dent PTI’s popularity and vote bank.
