More trouble for Imran Khan as dissident leader Jahangir Tareen gains support

<p>
There could be more trouble brewing for Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan. Several members of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), who are in support of dissident leader Jahangir Tareen, a report by news agency ANI said. The report also said that more than 30 members from both national and provincial assemblies attended a meeting at Tareen’s residence in Lahore to discuss the roadmap ahead.</p>
<p>
ANI also quoted sources saying that the member even offered to quit from the assemblies over injustice meted out to Tareen.</p>
<p>
Another meeting has been called on April 21 to discuss the future course of action.</p>
<p>
Tareen and his son have been slapped with multiple fraud charges including one involving a multi-billion sugar scam.</p>
<p>
A case of alleged fraud of Rs 3.14 billion was slapped on Tareen and his son by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Lahore on March 22. As per FIR reports, Tareen allegedly transferred illegal shares worth billions of rupees to Farooqi Pulp Mills Limited, which is owned by Tareen’s son and close relatives.</p>
<p>
Tareen, who began his political journey in 2002, has businesses spread across sectors. With a net worth of about Rs 80 million, he is one of the richest politicians.   </p>
<p>
“To be clear, there would never have been an Imran Khan-led government had it not been for Jahangir Tareen. He made the impossible possible for the powers-that-be,” the Pakistan based Daily Times said. “How else was the politically inexperienced Khan able to rally support from enough parliamentarians to hold the Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) and even the Centre? Since 2018, despite being on the same page as the judiciary and the military establishment, the Prime Minister has been unable to steer either his own party or the nation to safe harbour. Today, Pakistan suffers from both political and economic instability,” a Daily Times report said.  </p>