In a surprising twist, Jahangir Tareen, the Patron-in-chief of the Istekhan-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), has resigned from his position as party chairman and announced his decision to retire from politics entirely.
Expressing gratitude to his supporters and extending congratulations to his opponents via a post on X (formerly Twitter), the prominent figure in the sugar industry emphasized his respect for the Pakistani people's will. He thanked all members of the IPP, formed after the events of May 9.
Tareen pledged to continue serving his country in a private capacity, aiming for Pakistan's prosperity in the coming years.
In the recent February 8 general elections, Tareen faced defeat in both of his National Assembly constituencies. Despite contesting in NA-149 and NA-155 Lodhran-2, he failed to secure victory according to unofficial results. In NA-155, Tareen received 71,128 votes, while the PML-N candidate Sadiqque Khan Baloch emerged victorious with 117,671 votes. Similarly, in NA-149 Multan, Tareen obtained 50,166 votes, while PTI-backed independent candidate Malik Amir Dogar won with 143,613 votes.
IPP President Abdul Aleem Khan reacted to Tareen's decision, affirming Tareen's perpetual role as the patron-in-chief for the IPP and expressing honor in his presence within any government. Aleem Khan, who secured victories in both NA-117 and Lahore's provincial assembly constituency PP-149, paid tribute to Tareen's philanthropic efforts and wished him health, safety, and success.
