The political leaders from Gilgit-Baltistan have joined the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP).

According to details that emerged on Wednesday, IPP President Abdul Aleem Khan welcomed the new entrants into the party. Those who entered the party ranks include former Gilgit-Baltistan governor Raja Jalal, former chief minister Haji Gulbar Khan, former leader of the opposition captain (retd) Shafi, former ministers Fatehullah Khan, Haji Shah Baig, Shamsullah Haq and Maulana Sultan Rais, as well as former minister Dilshad Bano.

Abdul Aleem Khan greeted the leaders by placing party mufflers around their shoulders. Speaking on the occasion, he said the IPP had entered Gilgit-Baltistan’s political arena for the first time and would work with full commitment for development in the region.

He said that the party’s foremost manifesto centred on development, prosperity and the provision of employment. He added that contacts had been made with various political groups and further details would be shared soon.

Aleem Khan said the entire party would stand alongside the people of Gilgit-Baltistan. Party workers from across Pakistan would take part in the election campaign in the region, he added.

He said that Gilgit-Baltistan possessed sufficient resources to support the federation, adding that billions of dollars could be earned from tourism alone, while toll plazas could generate billions of rupees in revenue.