Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) experienced a significant development on Wednesday as a number of prominent members from Imran Khan’s team defected and joined disgruntled leader Jahangir Khan Tareen.
Over 100 PTI stalwarts and legislators, who had left the party following the events of May 9, are now actively seeking new opportunities to advance their political careers. This continuous exodus from PTI demonstrates that more and more “loyalists of Imran Khan” are bidding farewell to him in order to maintain their political relevance.
During a gathering in Lahore, several former PTI stalwarts including Fawad Chaudhry, Amir Kiyani, Ali Zaidi, Imran Ismail, Mahmood Maulvi, Firdous Ashiq Awan, Ajmal Wazir, Nauraiz Shakoor, and Fayyazul Hasan Chohan officially joined Jahangir Tareen, who is expected to launch his party today in a press conference.
It is worth noting that some of these individuals had previously announced a temporary departure from politics after leaving PTI following the events of May 9. However, their hiatus was short-lived as they formally joined the new political faction.
A member of Tareen’s camp, Awn Chaudhry, disclosed that the new party would be named the “Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party (IPP).” While there was a consensus among the group members regarding the name, a last-minute change is still a possibility.
The formation of this newly established party is anticipated to play a significant role in Punjab politics during the upcoming general elections. Many PTI deserters and influential figures from south Punjab have already aligned themselves with the JKT group.
On Wednesday, three former PTI leaders from the south—Sajjad Bokhari, Tasneem Gardezi, and Jahanzeb Warren—publicly announced their affiliation with the JKT group. Additionally, former CM adviser Ali Gilani, ex-lawmakers Mumtaz Mahrvi, Azmat Chishti, and Mehr Irshad Kathia, as well as former PTI leaders retired Major Khurram Rokhari and Usman Ashraf, have also met with Mr. Tareen and joined his group.
These developments mark a significant shift in the political landscape of Pakistan, as PTI loses key members to Jahangir Khan Tareen’s faction, which is rapidly gaining momentum and attracting influential figures from various regions.
The impact of this new political entity on PTI and the upcoming general elections remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly poses a challenge for Imran Khan and his party’s future prospects.
 faces a setback as disillusioned members flock to Jahangir Khan Tareen, seeking new political opportunities.){kind=link}