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.
\nReports\u00a0said 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.
\nThose in the running for key positions include PTI rebel members Jahangir Tareen, Aleem Khan and those from the Chaudhry Sarwar group,\u00a0reports add. The group is likely to be led by a former PTI Punjab figure.
\nAccording to reports\u00a0in the upcoming general elections, the new group could participate in the elections under the seat adjustment with the People\u2019s Party and the PML-N and can field their candidates in the strong constituencies of the PTI in Punjab.
\nThe 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.
\nIn 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.
\nAs per reports\u00a0the 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.
\nBoth Aleem and Tareen had been two of the most prominent PTI leaders in the PTI\u2019s 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.
\nIn May 2022, the former prime minister revealed the reason behind his differences with both leaders and said that both were seeking \u201cillegal benefits from him.\u201d
\nSpeaking during a podcast, Khan claimed that differences with both estranged leaders developed when he refused to entertain their requests.
\n\u201cAleem Khan expected me to legalise his 300-acre land near Ravi\u201d, Khan said, adding \u201cfrom then onwards, I developed differences with him.\u201d
\nWhile talking about Tareen, Khan said: \u201cTareen 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.\u201d
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