The Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) has scored a significant coup by enlisting Ali Nawaz Awan, a prominent leader from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), ahead of the February 8 general elections.
This strategic move follows a pivotal meeting between Awan and IPP’s top brass, Patron-in-Chief Jahangir Tareen and President Aleem Khan, in Lahore earlier today.
In an official statement on its X handle, the IPP hailed Awan’s joining as a “major success” for the nascent political party.
Simultaneously, another PTI heavyweight, former provincial minister Sardar Asif Nakai, declared his allegiance to the IPP during a meeting with Tareen and Aleem.
Political activities in the country have gained momentum following the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) announcement of general elections on February 8, 2024.
The date was announced due to intervention of the Supreme Court.
Nawaz Sharif, the supremo of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), made a strategic visit to Quetta in Balochistan, successfully persuading over 30 electables to join his party in the lead-up to the elections.
Aleem and Tareen, once close aides to PTI Chairman Imran Khan, founded the IPP in June of this year, citing differences with the PTI chief.
Since its inception, the IPP has seen an influx of several PTI leaders, including Fayyaz ul Hassan Chohan, Firdous Ashiq Awan, Murad Raas, Ghulam Sarwar Khan, and others.
Recently, Ghulam Sarwar Khan, a prominent figure within PTI, formally joined the IPP.
Speaking to the media on the occasion, Sarwar emphasized the IPP’s commitment to the goal of building a strong and prosperous Pakistan. He acknowledged the roles of various individuals, including Tareen and Aleem, in the development of PTI.
Earlier this month, Aleem, the IPP chief, alleged that the former spy chief, Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hamid, victimized the now-IPP leaders during the PTI-led government, aiming to become the army chief. Addressing a public rally in Taxila, Punjab, Aleem criticized the ousted prime minister, asserting that false cases were filed against his daughter and Tareen during the PTI government.
In a pointed remark, Aleem questioned Imran Khan’s sincerity, asserting that the PTI chairman’s lack of loyalty to his children raised doubts about his commitment to the public.
The IPP president suggested that, instead of Imran, Farah Gogi, a close friend of the former first lady, was the one truly working towards building a “Naya Pakistan.”
