Former UK Chief Minister leaves party, announces joining Aleem Khan-led party
Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan. Photo: Archive
ISLAMABAD:
The Istehkam Pakistan Party (IPP) formally entered the Gilgit-Baltistan political scene on Tuesday after 14 influential figures led by former Prime Minister Haji Gulbar Khan resigned from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and announced their joining the Aleem Khan-led party.
The announcement was made during a press conference in Islamabad attended by former governor Raja Jalal Maqpoon, former chief minister Haji Gulbar Khan, former opposition leader Captain (retd) Shafi, former minister Fatehullah Khan, Haji Shah Baig, Shamsullah Haq, Maulana Sultan Rais, former minister Dilshad Bano and other political leaders.
Welcoming the new entrants, IPP President Aleem Khan said this was the party’s first formal step into Gilgit-Baltistan politics and confirmed that the IPP would participate for the first time in the upcoming Gilgit-Baltistan elections.
Rejecting allegations of disloyalty to the PTI, Aleem Khan said he had not rebelled against the party, adding that he himself had been betrayed. Addressing the gathering, Aleem Khan said that Gilgit-Baltistan had the potential to become one of the leading tourist destinations in the world.
He stressed that the well-being of the region’s population would remain the IPP’s top priority. “The party will pursue a new, positive and tolerance-based policy, committing to generating funds for development through local resources rather than relying on federal donations,” he said.
Highlighting tourism opportunities, Aleem Khan announced plans to establish five-star hotels and said no additional taxes would be imposed on local people. He added that international flights from Skardu airport had already helped boost tourism.
