PTI to decide about Tareen’s future

Source say Tareen’s lead counsel advises client to not file review petition against December 15 judgment

ISLAMABAD: A crucial meeting of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), scheduled for today (Saturday), will deliberate on filling the vacuum created in the party especially in Punjab, following Jahangir Khan Tareen’s disqualification.

The PTI core group will ponder upon its options— either taking on Tareen as an unofficial secretary general or hiring a new secretary general— since they have to decide the matter sooner rather than later, as there are little to no chances of the review petition succeeding.

Tareen was not only responsible for the overall organisation of the party but was also the head of the legal team that was pursuing high-profile cases at various courts, including the Supreme Court and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). He was also solely responsible for awarding party tickets to prospective candidates for the next general elections.



Although PTI had earlier announced that the secretary general seat will remain vacant until a decision is reached on the review petition, it seems highly unlikely since the general elections are fast approaching.

Insiders claim that the party will probably keep Tareen on informally, given they have nobody to fill his shoes and gather eligible candidates for PTI.

Major political activities were suspended by the party a week ago, and Tareen had flown abroad the day the Supreme Court announced his disqualification. He is likely to return today and attend the meeting at Bani Gala.

On the other hand, PTI chief Imran Khan was also busy entertaining his two sons who were visiting the country and were scheduled to leave today. After their departure Khan would be free to conduct political activities.



A reliable source claimed that Tareen was still indecisive about filing a review petition against the decision of his disqualification.

The source said that Tareen’s lead counsel— who represented him in Supreme Court— has advised his client to not file a review petition against the December 15 judgment. The lead counsel is of the opinion that it could open a new Pandora’s Box, while it will also not be received favourably by the Supreme Court and it may turn it down.

However, Khan and other senior leaders of the party were in favour of filing the review petition. “Tareen will make a final decision in this regard after consulting Khan and a few others today (Saturday),” sources said.

Other items on the meeting’s agenda include the future course of action of the party, progress of the membership drive and the current political situation of the country.