LAHORE: Former Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party (IPP) patron-in-chief Jahangir Khan Tareen said he has quit politics, but will continue social work in the education sector.

Speaking at the inauguration of a modern computer laboratory at Government Progressive Girls High School on Tuesday, he said: “I have quit politics but I will continue to serve [the] education sector.”

Mr Tareen bid farewell to active to politics following his party’s defeat in the 2024 polls. The IPP was carved out of Imran Khan’s PTI in the wake of the May 9 riots, and is currently being run by Federal Minister Aleem Khan.

Mr Tareen claimed that this was the sixth computer lab established in Lahore by his foundation within the span of one month.

Inaugurates computer lab at girls’ school

“The aim of the lab is to provide students with modern and high-quality digital educational facilities. We have built a lab comparable to those in elite schools so that children from low-income communities can access the same opportunities available to privileged students.”

Mr Tareen said providing equal opportunities to both rich and underprivileged children was a fundamental right. “It has always been my desire and priority to work in the field of education, particularly for students with limited resources. Digital education is the key to securing the future of our children.”

He said merely constructing a computer lab was not enough, it was equally important to provide an environment that enhanced students’ ability to learn and understand.

Mr Tareen further stated that he had observed that whether schools were in Lahore or in remote areas of south Punjab, educational institutions with limited resources faced almost similar challenges. “If high-performing students gain admission to universities abroad, my foundation will provide support, guidance and possible assistance to help talented young individuals represent Pakistan at the global level,” he said.

Present at the ceremony, District Education Authority Chief Executive Officer Tariq Mahmood appreciated Jahangir Khan Tareen’s efforts and stated that these initiatives represent an important step in the right direction for the education sector. He said he was grateful to Jahangir Khan Tareen for prioritising the needs of government schools and the students studying there.

He further informed that uninterrupted electricity supply has been ensured through solar panels in the lab established by Tareen Education Foundation, enabling students to continuously benefit from modern educational facilities.

Published in Dawn, May 20th, 2026