Former GB chief minister quits party, announces joining Aleem Khan-led party
Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan Haji Gulbar Khan. Photo: File
ISLAMABAD:
The Istehkam Pakistan Party (IPP) officially entered the political scene in Gilgit-Baltistan on Tuesday after 14 influential personalities led by former chief minister Haji Gulbar Khan left the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and announced their joining the Aleem Khan-led party.
The announcement was made at a press conference in Islamabad in the presence of former Governor Raja Jalal Maqpoon, former Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan, former Leader of Opposition 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 newcomers, IPP President Aleem Khan said this was the party’s first official step in Gilgit-Baltistan politics and confirmed that IPP would contest for the first time in the upcoming Gilgit-Baltistan elections.
Dismissing allegations of disloyalty to the PTI, Aleem Khan said he did not rebel against the party, adding that he himself was 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 people of the region would remain the top priority of the IPP. “The party will pursue a new, positive policy based on tolerance, committing to generating development funds through local resources rather than relying on federal handouts,” he said.
Highlighting the tourism opportunities, Aleem Khan announced plans to set up five-star hotels and said no additional taxes would be imposed on the local people. He added that international flights from Skardu airport had already helped boost tourism.
