Political activity ahead of the forthcoming Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections intensified yesterday as former AJK prime minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas formally joined the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) along with several close political associates, while Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari pledged to personally spearhead his party's election campaign across the region.
High-Profile Defections Strengthen IPP
Former AJK prime minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas announced his decision to join the IPP after meeting IPP President and Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan in Islamabad. The meeting focused on the prevailing political situation in AJK, the party's electoral strategy and preparations for the upcoming elections.
Several senior political figures accompanied Tanveer Ilyas into the party, including former ministers Ali Shan Soni and Dr Nisar Ansar Abdali, as well as former government adviser Sardar Iftikhar Rashid, providing a significant organisational boost to the IPP ahead of the electoral contest.
IPP President Welcomes New Entrants
Welcoming the new entrants, Abdul Aleem Khan described the development as a major strengthening of the party in Azad Kashmir. He said the inclusion of Sardar Tanveer Ilyas and his associates would reinforce the party's political position, expand its public outreach and inject fresh momentum into its campaign across the region.
Aleem Khan reiterated the party's commitment to addressing public issues and providing what he described as an effective political alternative in Azad Kashmir.
Tanveer Ilyas Expresses Confidence in IPP Leadership
Expressing confidence in Abdul Aleem Khan's leadership, Sardar Tanveer Ilyas said he would play an active role through the IPP platform in building a strong, vibrant and people-centric political force in Azad Kashmir.
According to political sources, the IPP has decided to further accelerate its organisational activities throughout AJK and finalise a comprehensive electoral strategy in preparation for the forthcoming Legislative Assembly elections.
Political Significance of Tanveer Ilyas's Defection
Political observers described Tanveer Ilyas's move as one of the most significant political developments ahead of the polls, particularly because of his influence in refugee constituencies, where analysts believe his entry into the IPP could substantially improve the party's electoral prospects. The defection could deal a political setback to the PPP, as Tanveer Ilyas had been regarded as one of its influential leaders in AJK before parting ways with the party.
PPP Steps Up Election Preparations
Meanwhile, the PPP also stepped up its election preparations, as Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari held a strategy meeting in Islamabad with PPP AJK President Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin and General Secretary Faisal Mumtaz Rathore. During the meeting, the AJK leadership briefed Bilawal on the party's organisational preparations and campaign strategy for the upcoming elections.
Bilawal Vows Personal Campaign Across AJK
Bilawal said the people of AJK were close to his heart and reaffirmed the PPP's longstanding commitment to the Kashmir cause. The PPP chief said he would personally visit every district of Azad Kashmir as part of the party's election campaign and vowed to take the PPP's message directly to the people.
The PPP chairman said the party was founded on the issue of Kashmir and had consistently championed the rights of the Kashmiri people on international platforms. "I have presented the case of Kashmir before the international community, and the Pakistan Peoples Party will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Azad Kashmir in resolving their problems," he said.
PPP Intensifies Public Outreach
Bilawal directed the party's AJK leadership to intensify public outreach, accelerate election campaign activities and ensure that the PPP's manifesto reached every segment of the population ahead of the polls.
