LAHORE: Istehkam-i-Pakis­tan Party (IPP) patron-in-chief Jahan­gir Khan Tareen has stated that political and economic stability in the country can only be achieved by holding general elections on time.

He made these remarks while sp­­e­­aking to the media at the resid­e­n­­ce of former MPA Zaheeruddin Ali­zai in Multan on Friday afternoon.

Former chairmen of 17 union councils and 50 councillors from various political parties announced to join the IPP to support Mr Tareen in NA-149. IPP senior leader Ishaq Khan Khakwani was also present.

While discussing rumours regarding the election postponement, Mr Tareen said that holding elections on Feb 8 is crucial for the political and economic stability of the country.

“I do not think that the election schedule will be changed, but if it happens, there might be a strong reason for the delay in elections,” he said.

Terms PTI founder’s statement on Iran ‘very irresponsible and unwise’; predicts IPP, PML-N will jointly form next government

In response to a question about seat adjustment with PML-N, Mr Tareen stated that they were jointly contesting elections and would also form a joint government to address the country’s problems.

“The PTI government was also formed with the help of independent candidates and could be formed again,” he added.

Mr Tareen asserted that he is not responsible for the current conditi­­on and situation of Pakistan Tehr­e­ek-i-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, stating, “I have left his party after facing personal attacks.”

Expressing regret over Mr Khan’s statement condemning Pakistan’s retaliatory attacks on the hideouts of militants in Iran, Mr Tareen deemed the statement as very irresponsible and unwise.

He said that adopting such a stance “due to political opposition” was detrimental to our national integrity.

He stated that everyone knows Pakistan desires peace and stability in the region, seeking to build good relations with its neighbours.

However, considering the pursuit of peace as a weakness is incorrect, he added.

He emphasised that if any country violates Pakistan’s airspace and land boundaries, it becomes mandatory to deliver an effective response.

Mr Tareen stressed that Pakistan does not seek to escalate any conflict with Iran and will not become a tool in any conspiracy.

He criticised the PTI founder, also a former prime minister, for insulting public opinion and adopting a stance in flagrant disregard of national imperatives.

He affirmed that it is a fact that Pakistan attacked terrorists’ hideouts in Iran as a countermeasure.

Published in Dawn, January 20th, 2024