Abdul Aleem Khan, President of the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), on Sunday appealed to the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), particularly the younger electorate, to vote with responsibility and prioritize the national interest in the forthcoming elections. In a video message, he stressed the importance of exercising the right to vote with a strong sense of civic duty, highlighting that elections are not just about changing governments but about shaping the future of generations and securing regional prosperity.
He emphasized that sustainable development and economic stability in AJK rely heavily on establishing strong local revenue sources. Khan pointed out that without a self-sufficient local economy, efforts to increase personal incomes, implement major development projects, and achieve public welfare objectives will remain out of reach.
In a significant development, he called for fresh investment and urged the government to create a business-friendly environment that inspires confidence among both local and foreign investors. This, he said, would expand commercial activities and foster long-term economic growth. Investment, Khan, would not only boost the regional economy but also generate substantial employment opportunities for the unemployed youth, especially educated men and women.
Highlighting AJK’s abundant natural beauty, including its stunning landscapes, scenic valleys, and world-class tourist destinations, the IPP president identified tourism as a key driver for regional growth. He advocated for modernizing the tourism sector, upgrading essential infrastructure, and encouraging private sector investment to significantly increase local revenues and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
Abdul Aleem Khan reminded citizens that elections, held every five years, provide a critical chance to redefine the region’s path. He urged voters to evaluate candidates based on their past performance rather than empty promises or party loyalty. He advised rejecting politicians who make grand pre-election commitments but fail to address public concerns once in office, encouraging trust in honest leadership and proven track records instead.
Directly addressing the youth of Azad Kashmir, Khan encouraged them to go beyond casting their own votes by actively motivating their families and communities to participate in the electoral process. He emphasized that voting is a collective responsibility that impacts the future of families, the region, and AJK as a whole, urging young people to raise political awareness within their circles.
He concluded by urging voters to critically assess past achievements, unmet promises, and ongoing challenges before making their decision. “The people of Azad Kashmir have a defining opportunity to choose a better future—one that leads to a prosperous, resilient, and stable region,” he stated, reaffirming the IPP’s firm commitment to public service, economic stability, transparent governance, youth employment, and comprehensive development throughout AJK.
