Pakistan's political arena is poised for a potential shake-up in the form of a new political party - "Istehkam-e-Pakistan" Party (IPP). The party's formation has been spearheaded by Awn Chaudhry, a former aide of Jahangir Khan Tareen, a prominent Member of the National Assembly (MNA).
Notably, the IPP has attracted a significant number of former leaders and loyalists of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), including individuals who have been closely associated with party chief Imran Khan. This development has set the stage for an intriguing realignment of political alliances and dynamics in Pakistan.
Former Members Being Wooed
As Tareen looks to derive political gains and influence by capitalising on the dismantling PTI party, the IPP has already recruited old party leaders, including Fawad Chaudhry, the former Minister of Information and Broadcasting in Imran Khan’s government.
Other members reportedly joining the newly formed party include Imran Ismail and Ali Zaidi, two senior PTI officials. Tareen and his supporters are also wooing Sindh’s leaders Mahmood Baqi Moulvi and Jai Parkash.
Just a few days ago, former Punjab minister Murad Raas formed a “Democrats” group within the PTI, comprising 35 members. However, he has also joined the new political party. It is unclear whether his supporters will also join Tareen’s group.
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Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir’s (POK) de facto PM Sardar Tanveer Ilyas also declared that he would join IPP in the coming future.
The decision to join Tareen is controversial, given that many leaders announced a “break” from politics while tendering their resignations to Khan’s party.
Tareen, who formerly served as the secretary-general of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and was a close aide of party chief Imran Khan, has again been in the spotlight. In 2017, Tareen faced a ban from holding public office by the Supreme Court following a petition filed by Hanif Abbasi, a leader from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), citing "dishonesty" on Tareen's part. Since then, Tareen has maintained a low profile in the political sphere. However, his name resurfaced prominently following Imran Khan's arrest on May 9, which triggered nationwide protests.
“King’s Party”
Geo TV reported that Tareen will launch his party on Thursday in Lahore. Political circles in Pakistan are referring to Tareen’s party as the “king’s party.”
Property giant Aleem Khan is likely to be appointed as the party President. However, due to the Supreme Court-imposed lifetime ban on Tareen holding a public office position, he will merely serve as a “Quaid” of the IPP.
Reports also suggest that Tareen successfully lured over 100 PTI leaders to participate in a dinner. This is a golden opportunity for the former Khan loyalists to continue being relevant in Pakistan’s electoral politics.