The Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) today unveiled its comprehensive electoral strategy for the upcoming Gilgit-Baltistan general elections, scheduled for 07 June, while also declaring the names of its first nine candidates for the 24 constituencies in the region.
This significant development emerged from a key meeting of the 20-member Electoral Board, constituted by the party for the GB polls, held under the chairmanship of IPP President Abdul Aleem Khan.
The nine individuals whose candidatures were finalised in the initial phase include Maulana Sultan Rais, Fatahullah Khan, Captain (retd) Shafi Ullah Khan, Emaan Shah, and Raja Jalal Hussain. Additionally, Shams-ul-Haq Lone, Haji Shah Baig, Haji Gulbar Khan, and Khan Akbar Khan are also set to receive IPP tickets. The party”s election body is anticipated to announce the remaining nominees for other constituencies in the coming days.
IPP President Abdul Aleem Khan stated that deliberations have commenced regarding a potential electoral alliance between the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party and Islamic Tehreek Pakistan for the Gilgit-Baltistan general elections. He further indicated that the party”s future actions would also be influenced by the strategies adopted by other political outfits.
During the session, it was also decided that the party would soon finalise candidates for the nine Reserved Seats designated for Women and Technocrats. Mr. Khan affirmed the IPP”s intention to participate in the Gilgit-Baltistan elections in a robust and effective manner. He announced that IPP Members of the National and Provincial Assemblies, alongside senior leaders and party members, are scheduled to undertake an election tour of Gilgit-Baltistan next week.
The Electoral Board meeting, chaired by the Party President, saw senior leadership briefing participants on the prevailing electoral situation in the northern region. Members of the National Assembly Aun Chaudhry and Gul Asghar Baghur joined via video link, while MNA Munnaza Hassan attended in person.
Other prominent attendees included IPP Central Secretary General Mian Khalid Mahmood, Punjab President Rana Nazir Ahmad Khan, Central Secretary Information Syed Samsam Ali Bukhari, Punjab Assembly Member Ghazanfar Abbas Chhina, and Lahore President Malik Zaman Naseeb. Representatives from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (G.G. Jamal), South Punjab (Syed Raffaqat Ali Gilani), and Central Punjab (Mamoon Jafar Tarar and Yawar Kamal) also participated. From Gilgit-Baltistan, Haji Gulbar Khan, Raja Jalal, Shams-ul-Haq Lone, and Fateh Ullah Khan were present.
Participants shared their perspectives, reaffirming their full confidence in Abdul Aleem Khan”s leadership and expressing optimism for significant success in the 07 June Gilgit-Baltistan general elections.