Former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader, Jahangir Tareen, has officially launched his political party, the Istihkam-e-Pakistan Party.
The announcement was made during a press conference attended by several former PTI leaders, including Aleem Khan and Imran Ismail. Tareen, a key figure in PTI’s 2018 government formation and a close associate of PTI Chairman Imran Khan stressed his dedication to improving the country’s condition.
Tareen commented, “Our unity aims to address and alleviate the nation’s current difficulties. The nation requires leadership proficient in resolving extant social and economic issues.” Tareen had split from Khan during a money laundering case lodged against him under the PTI government.
In 2017, the Supreme Court disqualified Tareen for life after being found guilty in assets beyond means case. Nevertheless, Tareen advocated for legal action against the perpetrators of the May 9 vandalism and warned about the potential for future attacks on political opponents’ homes during the conference.
Tareen emphasized the need for new political leadership to rejuvenate public trust in the political system and lead the nation toward development. He suggested that a reform agenda would be unveiled and new members would join his party in the coming days.
At the press conference’s beginning, Aleem shared his apprehensions about the nation’s current situation. He thanked Tareen for uniting the leaders and stressed the importance of stability in Pakistan.
Aleem stated, “We believe in ending the present chaos and achieving stability in Pakistan by aligning the parliament, judiciary, and establishment. We are eager to contribute to this collective endeavor under Jahangir Tareen’s leadership.”
Several former PTI leaders, including Fawad Chaudhry and Ali Zaidi, are reportedly migrating to Tareen’s side ahead of the new party’s official declaration. Tareen’s persuasive tactics have drawn PTI defectors, with over 100 leaders attending a dinner held by Aleem Khan in his honor.
Prominent leaders like Murad Raas, Fayyaz ul Hassan Chohan, and Javed Ansari, among others, are expected to join the new party. Interestingly, several of these defectors previously announced either a hiatus or retirement from politics. However, Tareen, once disqualified and sidelined, has revitalized his political career following the May 9 unrest.