Tanveer Ilyas leaves PPP, Joins IPP

Former Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas on Wednesday formally joined the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), marking a significant political development ahead of the July 27 AJK Legislative Assembly elections.

MUZAFFARABAD: Former Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas on Wednesday formally joined the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), marking a significant political development ahead of the July 27 AJK Legislative Assembly elections.

The announcement followed a meeting with IPP President and Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan, along with State Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Awn Chaudhry. During the meeting, Aleem Khan welcomed Tanveer Ilyas into the party by presenting him with the IPP party muffler, officially confirming his induction.

The move comes only days after Tanveer Ilyas resigned from the primary membership of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP-AJK chapter) following unsuccessful negotiations over the distribution of party tickets for the upcoming elections.

According to political sources, the disagreement centered on the allocation of tickets for several key constituencies, including Bagh Central, Pachiot, Upper Neelum and Rawalakot City. The Bagh Central constituency reportedly remained the principal point of contention, with negotiations failing to produce an agreement acceptable to both sides.

Political observers believe Ilyas’ departure represents a setback for the PPP-AJK at a crucial stage of the election campaign. As a prominent political figure in the region, his decision to switch parties could influence electoral dynamics in several constituencies and strengthen the IPP’s position ahead of the polls.

In a related development, AJK government minister Ali Shan Soni also resigned from the primary membership of PPP-AJK, further fueling speculation about internal differences within the party. His resignation has added to concerns among party leaders regarding the possible electoral impact of recent defections.

The Election Commission of Azad Jammu and Kashmir has announced that polling for the Legislative Assembly elections will take place on July 27. Political parties have accelerated campaign activities as they finalise candidates and strategies for what is expected to be a closely contested election.

Tanveer Ilyas’ decision to join the IPP is being viewed as one of the most notable political realignments ahead of the polls. Analysts say the coming weeks will reveal whether the move translates into electoral gains for the IPP and reshapes the political landscape of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.