MULTAN: Estranged Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leader Jahangir Tareen has joined the anti-inflation brigade, saying people are suffering because the government has failed to control price hike.

Talking to the media at Kahror Pacca tehsil of Lodhran district on Monday, Tareen said the government should put all other issues aside and try to control inflation first.

“Demand and supply control inflation. There would be no price hike of sugar, wheat and other commodities if decisions to import the short food items are taken in time,” he maintained.

Replying to a question about rumours he was set to lead PML-Jinnah, Tareen claimed he was hearing the name of such a party for the first time.

“Where do you get such news from? We are still part of the PTI. It is my party and so far I have not quit it,” he stressed.

He further said that it was the party that made decisions about awarding tickets for elections.

“The party tickets in Kahror Pacca were also awarded according to the party’s decisions,” he said.

He also said that Makhdoom Ahmad Mahmood was his brother-in-law and he meets him on and off. “We have travelled together in the past also,” Tareen replied when asked about his recent trip to Lahore with PPP South Punjab President Mr Mahmood.

He also claimed that efforts were under way to initiate development schemes in Kahror Pacca, Dunyapur and Lodhran. “The provincial government, however, has to provide the funds,” he remarked.

Accompanied by former MPA Rana Ejaz Ahmad Noon, Nawab Samiullah Khan and other local PTI leaders, Tareen also held a meeting with former MNA and PTI leader Nawab Amanullah Khan and discussed various political issues.

Published in Dawn, October 12th, 2021