Plans have come to light for the creation of a new political party comprising former leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf to dent the vote bank of the Imran Khan-led party in Punjab. Former president and PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari is said to be the architect of this plan.

Sources said that contacts and meetings were taking place for the formation of the new group. Prominent families of central and southern Punjab are expected to spearhead the group.

Those in the running for key positions include PTI rebel members Jahangir Tareen, Aleem Khan and those from the Chaudhry Sarwar group, sources add. The group is likely to be led by a former PTI Punjab figure.

Sources say that in the upcoming general elections, the new group could participate in the elections under the seat adjustment with the People’s Party and the PML-N and can field their candidates in the strong constituencies of the PTI in Punjab.

The new group will be given a target of winning 40 to 45 seats in the Punjab Assembly and at least 15 to 20 seats in the National Assembly, they added.

In case of the new party meeting the target, there is a strong possibility that the next chief minister in Punjab will be from the same party, sources said.