IPP not considering electoral alliance in Sindh: Ismail

KARACHI: Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) leader and former Sindh governor Imran Ismail said on Tuesday that IPP will participate in the upcoming general elections, however forming an alliance with other political parties in Sindh was not under consideration.

Addressing a press conference along with other IPP leaders Mahmood Baqi Moulvi and Ali Janjua at Karachi Press Club, Ismail said: “We will contest the elections on our own as a large number of people are supporting us.”

Referring to their previous association with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), he said that they could have built a new Pakistan but were unable to do so due to various reasons. He said that those who resorted to violence against the state are now facing its consequences.

He said that PTI chief and former prime minister Imran Khan always advised them to not speak against the military because a strong army meant a strong Pakistan. He added that he will speak about the motives behind the May 9 riots later.

Ismail said that IPP founder Jahangir Tareen is coming to Karachi soon to decide the party’s course of action in the city. He said that the local government is nowhere to be found in Karachi and they will raise voice for the city’s progress and betterment.

He said that the IPP will give a tough competition to Muttahida Qaumi Movement - Pakistan in Karachi and Pakistan Peoples Party in rest of Sindh. He added that Pakistan Muslim League - N never paid attention to the province and its progress.

He said that there is no doubt that PTI chief is very popular in the country, but winning the general elections is a different thing. He said that there is no contact with former PTI leader and federal finance minister Asad Umar, adding that the IPP already has a large team and they will announce the party’s central cabinet in a week.

Contrary to Ismail’s comment, Moulvi said that they are in contact with all parties, including the MQM-P, PTI and Jamaat-e-Islami. He added: “We want to everyone to move together because no party will have the majority”.