Jahangir Khan Tareen rules out political role, vows focus on social work

LAHORE: Former Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party patron-in-chief Jahangir Khan Tareen said on Tuesday that he had stepped away from politics and would now continue his work in the education sector through social welfare initiatives.

He made the remarks while inaugurating a modern computer laboratory at Government Progressive Girls High School in Lahore. “I have quit politics but I will continue to serve [the] education sector,” Tareen said referring to his future plans.

Tareen moved away from active politics after his party suffered defeat in the 2024 general elections. The Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party was formed from Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf after the May 9 riots and is currently being run by Federal Minister Aleem Khan.

Computer labs for government schools

Tareen said the newly opened facility was the sixth computer lab established in Lahore by his foundation within a month. He said the purpose of the project was to equip students with up-to-date digital learning resources and to narrow the gap between elite private institutions and schools serving low-income communities.

“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,” he said speaking about the objective behind the initiative.

He said equal opportunities for children from affluent and underprivileged backgrounds were a basic right. Tareen added that education, especially for students with limited means, had long remained one of his priorities.

“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 further said.

Tareen also said that setting up a computer lab alone was not sufficient and that students also needed an environment that improved their ability to learn and understand. He said he had observed that schools in Lahore and in remote parts of south Punjab faced nearly the same difficulties when resources were limited.

“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 in support for talented students.

Officials welcome initiative

District Education Authority Chief Executive Officer Tariq Mahmood, who was present at the ceremony, praised Tareen’s efforts and said such steps were important for the education sector. He also thanked him for focusing on the needs of government schools and their students.

Mahmood said uninterrupted electricity had been ensured for the lab through solar panels installed under the Tareen Education Foundation project, allowing students to continue benefiting from modern educational facilities without disruption.

The inauguration highlighted Tareen’s stated shift from political activity to social sector work, with education now at the centre of his public engagements.