Former Minister Abdul Aleem Khan has been appointed as the President of the Istihkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), the new political home for most of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) deserters, by Jahangir Khan Tareen, the party’s founder.
Tareen, a prominent figure in the sugar industry and once a close confidant of PTI Chairman Imran Khan, made the announcement on his official Twitter account.
In addition to Abdul Aleem Khan, Tareen named Aamir Mehmood Kiyani and Awn Chaudhary, both defectors from the PTI, as Secretary General and Additional Secretary General of the IPP, respectively. Chaudhary was also appointed as the party’s spokesperson.
The formation of the IPP comes at a time when the PTI leadership is facing a crackdown following the events of May 9.
On June 8, Tareen officially launched his political party during a press conference, accompanied by former PTI leaders such as Aleem Khan and Imran Ismail.
Tareen, who played a key role in the formation of the PTI-led government in 2018, stated that he joined politics with the aim of contributing to the country’s development.
He emphasized the need for a political leadership capable of addressing the country’s social, economic, and other challenges.
It should be noted that Tareen was disqualified for life in 2017 after the Supreme Court found him guilty of possessing assets beyond his means.
The court ruled that Tareen had concealed his 12-acre Hyde House property in the United Kingdom (UK) in his nomination papers submitted to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
He was deemed dishonest under Article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution and Section 99 of the Representation of People Act (ROPA).
In a development related to Tareen’s new political venture, it is expected that he will meet with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders, including party supremo Nawaz Sharif, during his visit to the United Kingdom.
Tareen departed for the UK on Sunday and is anticipated to stay there for over a week. In addition to engaging with overseas Pakistanis, Tareen plans to undergo a medical check-up.
Tareen has dismissed the notion that his party was established to replace the PTI, asserting that the IPP’s primary focus is the development of the country.
He expressed disappointment that despite his efforts within the PTI, his fellow members were unable to fulfill the party’s manifesto and let down the people.
Tareen remains confident that more politicians will join the IPP in the near future, and the party will strive to address the economic challenges and divisions in the nation.
