RAHIM YAR KHAN  -  Business tycoon and politician Jahangir Khan Tareen has announced his departure from the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), declaring a renewed political alliance with his close relative Makhdoom Syed Ahmad Mahmood, President of PPP South Punjab and former Governor of Punjab.

JKT announced the decision while addressing a press conference along with Makhdoom Ahmad Mahmood in Jamal Din Wali, signaling a potential shift in the region’s political landscape.

This move is expected to usher in major changes, with informed sources indicating that Tareen may soon be included in a new government setup in the Punjab. Furthermore, President Asif Ali Zardari is reportedly scheduled to visit Jamal Din Wali next week, fueling speculation regarding further political realignments and the possible induction of key district figures into the PPP.

Jahangir Tareen, who previously served as a Member of the National Assembly from Makhdoom Ahmad Mahmood’s ancestral constituency in 2003 and 2008 and as Federal Minister for Industries and Production, had parted ways with Ahmad Mahmood in 2012 following personal and political differences. He subsequently joined PTI and, after two unsuccessful bids for the National Assembly from Lodhran, left the party and formed IPP. However, after electoral defeats in Lodhran and Multan during the 2024 general elections, Tareen became increasingly disenchanted with politics and remained largely inactive.

In a notable turn of events just before Eid, Tareen, accompanied by his son Ali Tareen, traveled alongside Makhdoom Ahmad Mahmood from Lahore to Jamal Din Wali. Speaking to journalists, Tareen confirmed his resignation from IPP and described himself as “currently non-political,” yet affirmed his decision to rejoin the political arena in partnership with Ahmad Mahmood.

Sources say that President Asif Ali Zardari’s upcoming two-day visit to Jamal Din Wali may see the formal induction of several influential district personalities into the PPP, with expectations that Jahangir Tareen will also meet with the president. There is speculation that Tareen may be entrusted with significant responsibilities in the next Punjab government setup.

It is worth noting that the 72-year-old Jahangir Tareen had previously held key positions and been affiliated with PML-N, PML-F, PTI, and IPP, marking a distinguished and eventful political career.