rki.news

Altaf Hamid Rao
MIRPUR (AJK), July 1: Former Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan has resigned from the primary membership of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) AJK chapter, in what observers describe as a major political setback for the party ahead of the July 27 Legislative Assembly elections.
According to his spokesperson, Sardar Tanveer Ilyas formally submitted his resignation to PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. Party sources said the PPP central leadership made several efforts over the past three days to resolve differences and persuade him to remain within the party, but these attempts were unsuccessful.
Independent observers termed the resignation a significant political development in AJK in the context of the upcoming general elections, noting that it may reshape electoral dynamics across key constituencies.
Senior political figures, including the Governors of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as well as Chaudhry Riaz and other leaders, reportedly contacted Ilyas to mediate and bridge differences. However, according to his spokesperson, these efforts failed to produce any breakthrough.
Political observers attribute the resignation primarily to disagreements over the distribution of party tickets for the upcoming elections. Sources indicate that Ilyas had applied for PPP tickets from Central Bagh, Pachiot, and Neelum constituencies, and dissatisfaction with the ticket allocation process contributed to his decision to leave the party.
In a related development, AJK government minister Ali Shan Soni has also resigned from the PPP AJK chapter’s primary membership. Analysts believe these developments could pose a serious challenge for the PPP as election activity intensifies across the region.
Independent political observers also suggest that Sardar Tanveer Ilyas has parted ways with the PPP along with a group of political associates and supporters. Speculation continues regarding his future political direction, with reports indicating he may announce his next move within the coming days.
There are also suggestions of a possible association with the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), while some sources indicate he may contest the elections as the leader of an independent political group.
His spokesperson confirmed the resignation and said a formal announcement regarding his future political strategy will be made soon.
Political analysts believe his departure could trigger new political realignments in AJK and significantly influence the upcoming electoral landscape.