LAHORE – Speculation is rising over a potential political comeback by veteran politician Jahangir Khan Tareen after a video surfaced showing him with PPP South Punjab President Makhdoom Ahmad Mahmood. In the clip, Tareen hinted that if he returns to politics, he would align himself with the PPP.
Although Tareen has not officially joined the Pakistan Peoples Party, his comments have sparked widespread rumours of a political shift. Some unconfirmed sources even suggest that PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari may meet Tareen later this week to finalise an alliance.
However, senior PPP leader Khawaja Rizwan Alam has denied any planned meeting, citing Zardari’s ongoing parliamentary commitments. He clarified that such a meeting is unlikely to happen this month, pushing back against the growing speculation.
Tareen, who had stepped back from politics after losing the 2024 general elections in Multan and Lodhran, has reportedly denied any political discussions with PPP. According to sources close to him, his meeting with Mahmood was purely business-related and not politically motivated.
Tareen’s political journey began during the Musharraf era, and he later joined PTI, becoming one of Imran Khan’s closest allies. Though disqualified before the 2018 elections, he helped PTI secure a majority by bringing independents into the party.
After falling out with PTI leadership, he played a major role in the no-confidence motion against Imran Khan. He later formed the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), but after its poor electoral performance, Tareen stepped away from politics—until now.