PTI dissidents in talks to form new political group

Plans have come to light for the creation of a new political party comprising former leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf to dent the vote bank of the Imran Khan-led party in Punjab. Former president and PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari is said to be the architect of this plan.
Reports said that contacts and meetings were taking place for the formation of the new group. Prominent families of central and southern Punjab are expected to spearhead the group.
Those in the running for key positions include PTI rebel members Jahangir Tareen, Aleem Khan and those from the Chaudhry Sarwar group, reports add. The group is likely to be led by a former PTI Punjab figure.
According to reports in the upcoming general elections, the new group could participate in the elections under the seat adjustment with the People’s Party and the PML-N and can field their candidates in the strong constituencies of the PTI in Punjab.
The new group will be given a target of winning 40 to 45 seats in the Punjab Assembly and at least 15 to 20 seats in the National Assembly, they added.
In case of the new party meeting the target, there is a strong possibility that the next chief minister in Punjab will be from the same party.
As per reports the dissident group would comprise PTI defectors and it will try to win 40 to 45 seats in the Punjab Assembly and 15 to 20 seats in the National Assembly.
Both Aleem and Tareen had been two of the most prominent PTI leaders in the PTI’s early years, especially during its rise to power in 2018. Internal differences, however, got in the way with Tareen first and then Aleem parted ways with the PTI chief.
In May 2022, the former prime minister revealed the reason behind his differences with both leaders and said that both were seeking “illegal benefits from him.”
Speaking during a podcast, Khan claimed that differences with both estranged leaders developed when he refused to entertain their requests.
“Aleem Khan expected me to legalise his 300-acre land near Ravi”, Khan said, adding “from then onwards, I developed differences with him.”
While talking about Tareen, Khan said: “Tareen stood with those who are the biggest dacoits in the country. When I ordered a probe into the matter [sugar scandal], differences developed with Tareen.”