Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) President Abdul Aleem Khan has pledged to ensure merit, transparency and accountability if his party forms the next government in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), promising to personally take responsibility in the event of corruption under an IPP administration.
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Speaking at a press conference, Aleem Khan said the party’s focus would be on improving governance, expanding access to education and providing better public services across AJK. He said every decision would be made in line with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people, adding that practical measures would be taken to ensure all children have access to quality education.
The statement comes ahead of the AJK general elections, scheduled for July 27, 2026, when voters will elect members of the AJK Legislative Assembly. Aleem Khan urged all political parties and candidates to accept the election results in a democratic spirit, calling for humility in victory and patience in defeat.
He criticised parties that had previously governed the region and the country, saying they should be held accountable for public hardships before questioning others. According to Aleem Khan, politics should focus on serving people rather than simply acquiring power.
Highlighting infrastructure development, the federal minister for communications said work on major road and motorway projects was progressing across Pakistan. He announced plans to extend the Islamabad-Murree Expressway to Muzaffarabad and connect the city with Mansehra through a modern highway to improve transportation for AJK residents.
Aleem Khan also said the Lahore-Sialkot Motorway was being expanded from four to six lanes, while the Lahore-Sialkot-Kharian-Islamabad Motorway would shorten travel between Lahore and Islamabad by around 100 kilometres.
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He expressed confidence in the IPP’s prospects in the upcoming elections in both AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan, saying the party had fielded strong candidates and was receiving encouraging public support. Several political figures also announced their decision to join the IPP during the event.