MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): Former Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Tanveer Ilyas has reportedly decided to leave the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) and join the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), according to sources cited by ARY News on Wednesday.
Sources suggest that Ilyas will formally announce his decision following a meeting with the PPP leadership. There is concern within the PPP leadership in Azad Kashmir about involving him due to which leaders have requested the party leadership to keep him out of crucial roles.
Previously, according to ARY news, sources indicated that Sardar Tanveer Ilyas was going to ‘quit’ IPP after the AJK Supreme Court overturned his disqualification, restoring his eligibility to contest elections.
The sources, as ARY cited also indicated that Ilyas has been in contact with various political leaders and is expected to announce his next move soon. His departure from the IPP follows a significant legal victory, as the Supreme Court of AJK recently overturned his disqualification, reinstating his eligibility to contest elections for public office.
There is mounting speculation that Ilyas might seek presidential office for Azad Kashmir in the upcoming elections with the support of PPP.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court of Azad Jammu and Kashmir recently overturned Ilyas’ disqualification, reinstating his eligibility to contest elections for public office. His appeal against the AJK High Court’s ruling was issued in a contempt of court case. It was accepted, allowing him to re-enter the political arena.
During the legal proceedings, Ilyas sought forgiveness from the court, which led to his relief being granted. A full bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice Raja Saeed Akram Khan, revoked the sentence, making him eligible to participate in elections after one month.
Ilyas previously served as Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s 14th Prime Minister from April 2022 to April 2023. He also held the position of President of PTI Azad Kashmir from September 2021 until April 2023.
