Aleem Khan Pledges Better Governance and Development for Azad Kashmir

ISLAMABAD:Abdul Aleem Khan, president of the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), has pledged to address the grievances of the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, saying that decisions affecting the region should be made in line with the wishes and interests of its residents.

The remarks came during a press conference following the announcement that former Azad Kashmir Prime Minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas had joined the IPP along with several other political figures.

Aleem Khan said the party’s top priorities include improving governance, expanding access to quality education, providing basic public services, and ensuring transparent administration in Azad Kashmir.

He pledged to fulfill commitments made to the people of the region and said the party would work to eliminate long-standing deprivation, including by striving to provide educational opportunities for every child in Azad Kashmir.

Aleem Khan said politics should focus on improving people’s lives rather than simply gaining power. He added that, if his party forms the government, it would prioritize merit, transparency, and public service.

He also urged political parties and candidates to accept election results in a democratic manner, calling for humility in victory and patience in defeat. He criticized parties that have previously governed the region, arguing they should be held accountable for longstanding public grievances.

Praising the leadership of Pakistan’s prime minister, Aleem Khan said he had requested the opportunity to focus on the Ministry of Communications to accelerate infrastructure development across the country.

He highlighted several ongoing and planned infrastructure projects, including the expansion of the **Lahore–Sialkot Motorway** from four to six lanes, continued work on the **Lahore–Sialkot–Kharian–Islamabad Motorway**, construction of the **Sukkur–Karachi Motorway** with a planned connection to the country’s seaport, and the extension of the **Islamabad–Murree Expressway** to Muzaffarabad.

According to Aleem Khan, these projects are intended to improve connectivity, reduce travel times, and provide safer and more efficient transport links for residents of Azad Kashmir and other parts of Pakistan.