LAHORE – Former politician and Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) founder Jahangir Khan Tareen is once again at the center of political speculation after reports emerged suggesting his possible alignment with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). Though officially denied, the developments have triggered discussions about a potential return to politics.
Tareen, who announced his retirement from political life earlier this year following the IPP’s disappointing performance in the February general elections, has reportedly maintained behind-the-scenes contacts with various political stakeholders. His name has now surfaced in connection with possible support for the PPP, especially in Punjab.
The rumours intensified following a report suggesting that several political figures formerly aligned with Tareen have reached out to the PPP’s Punjab leadership. However, PPP Central Information Secretary Shazia Marri promptly dismissed the reports, calling them “baseless” and reiterating that no formal dialogue has taken place regarding Tareen joining the party.
Despite the denials, observers point to Jahangir Tareen’s long-standing ties with key political families, including the Mehmood family of South Punjab. His brother-in-law, Makhdoom Ahmed Mehmood, is a senior PPP leader and former Governor of Punjab, further fueling speculation of an impending political shift.
Previously a close confidante of PTI Chairman Imran Khan, Tareen fell out with the party leadership over policy differences and legal challenges. He was disqualified by the Supreme Court in 2017 and later became embroiled in the sugar scandal. In 2023, he launched the IPP with several PTI defectors but failed to make an electoral impact in the 2024 elections.
Analysts believe that Tareen’s re-entry into mainstream politics—particularly through an alliance with PPP—could significantly impact the political dynamics of Punjab, especially among independent electables and disgruntled PML-N voters. However, without any formal confirmation from Tareen himself, the situation remains speculative.
Whether this is the beginning of a political comeback or merely another round of rumours remains to be seen, but Tareen’s name continues to hold weight in the evolving landscape of Punjab politics.
Reported by PakTribune News Desk
All rights reserved.
