MUZAFFARABAD: Former Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) prime minister and founding leader of Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party (IPP) Sardar Tanveer Ilyas on Sunday said the new party had been launched to fulfil the demands of the stability, solidity and security of the country in keeping with the sentiments and aspirations of its inhabitants.

“The purpose of launching a new party is to take the country out of the existing [political and economic] quagmire, raise the spirits of the nation and accelerate the journey of development by ensuring political and economic stability,” he said in a conversation with journalists.

Mr Ilyas declared that the IPP would not be confined to any single province or region but would represent the entire country.

“Our party will strengthen the federation by taking part in the upcoming elections from all across the country,” he said, adding apart from the important leaders of small and major political parties, including the PTI, many famous personalities from other walks of life who had not been in the politics previously would also join the IPP.

Mr Ilyas said not only the IPP’s manifesto was being prepared under the guidance of Jahangir Khan Tareen and Aleem Khan, consultations on its organisational structure were also in progress.

“I have always laid emphasis on the strength of the federation and I honestly believe that the armed forces of Pakistan are the guarantors of our security and the whole nation is indebted to their officers and soldiers who lay down their lives in defence of the country’s geographical boundaries,” he said.

“The nation and the army cannot be separated from each other under any circumstances; those who attack military installations and damage memorials of the martyrs will have to be made an example,” he added.

Underscoring the need of a national dialogue to bring economic and political stability to the country, he said he would continue his efforts in this regard by holding meetings with all political parties and stakeholders in the country with the same objective at the back of mind. — Staff Correspondent

“Together, politicians can chalk out a roadmap to address all major issues, including the economy and next elections. Thanks, our party has a qualified and capable leadership in the form of Jahangir Tareen and Aleem Khan to successfully accomplish this gigantic task. We all have good sense and determination for teamwork.”

He claimed that IPP would introduce a system necessitating the approval of its advisory board for all of its decisions.

“We will soon spell out our goals, objectives and priorities in detail,” he said.

Published in Dawn, June 12th, 2023