Former Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas has officially left the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and joined the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), creating a major political shift ahead of the upcoming AJK Legislative Assembly elections.
The announcement was made after an important meeting with IPP President Abdul Aleem Khan and State Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Awn Chaudhry. During the meeting, Aleem Khan welcomed Tanveer Ilyas into the party by presenting him with the official IPP party muffler, marking his formal entry into the political group.
This move comes shortly after Tanveer Ilyas resigned from the primary membership of the PPP AJK chapter. Political analysts believe his departure could be a major setback for the party as election preparations continue.
According to sources, the main reason behind his resignation was a disagreement over party ticket allocation for the July 27 elections. Tanveer Ilyas reportedly requested party tickets for multiple constituencies, including Bagh Central, Pachiot, Upper Neelum, and Rawalakot City. However, the dispute over the Bagh Central seat became the biggest obstacle in reaching an agreement.
In another significant development, AJK government minister Ali Shan Soni also resigned from the PPP AJK membership, increasing concerns within party circles about possible political damage before the elections.
The AJK Election Commission has already announced that the regional elections will take place on July 27, 2026. These elections are expected to be highly competitive, especially with shifting political alliances and growing tensions among major parties.
Tanveer Ilyas joining IPP could strengthen the party’s position in Azad Kashmir and reshape the political landscape ahead of the crucial polls.
