he Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party, founded soon after May 9, has attracted more workers and leaders leaving the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf than all other parties. Some of these people have the experience of several successful electoral races under their belts. Many can boast considerable support/ influence in constituencies that have consistently voted for the parties that have gone on to form governments.

The million dollar question today is whether those joining the IPP will retain the crucial voter support for which they are valued. Also, it remains to be seen whether the new party will win over new voters or be content with being a PTI breakaway group.

Speaking to The News on Sunday, Maj Khurram Rokhri (retired), an IPP leader says, “many known electables have joined the IPP. This has strengthened the nascent party and raised its profile. Electables play an important role in Punjab’s politics. We are set to give a tough time to traditional parties, including Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz in the Punjab.”

Rokhri says he expects some more former colleagues from among the PTI’s central leaders to join their ranks. He says potential candidates from other parties will also join them once they complete a round of political rallies planned in nine districts of the Punjab.

Rokhri says the party’s strategy is to address the problems faced by the masses – runaway inflation, high fuel and electricity prices. He says they still aspire to build a New Pakistan, “we envisioned a decade ago when we were in the PTI.”

Aleem Khan, the IPP president, has put up a manifesto, focusing on economic and social reforms. The party is promising a minimum wage of Rs 50,000 for unskilled workers; free electricity for households consuming up to 300 units per month, and for farmers with up to 12 acres of land; interest-free business loans for young entrepreneurs; and property rights for people residing in katchi abadis (squatter settlements).

Khan is critical of the three major political parties – the PML-N, the PTI and the PPP – saying that governments led by them had failed to bring about significant improvements in people’s lives. He regrets that Imran Khan had failed to benefit from the services of some capable leaders in the party and chosen instead to raise the likes of Usman Buzdar and Mahmood Khan to high offices.

Tareen, the IPP patron-in-chief, says that he and several other party leaders were marginalised when Imran Khan became the prime minister. He says they had tirelessly worked for the vision of a new Pakistan but were sidelined as the PTI underwent leadership changes.

He says the party failed to keep the promises made to the electorate.

Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan, the IPP information secretary, says that the IPP manifesto is a clear roadmap for economic development.

“We have registered with the Election Commission of Pakistan and chosen falcon as our election symbol,” she says. She welcomes the establishment of the Special Investment Facilitation Council as an important step for revitalisation and modernisation of the national economy.

Tareen, the IPP patron-in-chief, says that he and several other party leaders were marginalised when Imran Khan became the prime minister. He says they had tirelessly worked for the vision of a New Pakistan but were sidelined as the PTI underwent leadership changes.

Tareen regrets that the party drifted away from its original goals and fell into the hands of individuals who lacked “genuine commitment to the country.” As far as political alliances and coalitions are concerned, he says, “We do not consider other parties as enemies; they are fellow Pakistanis.”

The IPP started its mass contact campaign by holding a public meeting in Jehanian tehsil of Khanewal district. Rokhri says that the party will hold more jalsas in Narowal, Layyah, Kasur, Gujranwala and Jhang. Sahiwal and Faisalabad will host IPP rallies in December. In the second phase, the party plans to hold rallies in Multan, Rawalpindi, Sheikhupura, Sialkot and Bahawalpur.

Asked for his assessment of the IPP, former senator Mustafa Nawaz Khohkar says that the party is no more than a parking lot for PTI turncoats. He says most of the so-called leaders have no support amongst the masses.

Rokhri rejects this impression. “We put on a decent show in Jehanian where a large number of people showed up. You will see the trend in the upcoming rallies and workers’ conventions.” Col Hashim Dogar (retired), the IPP Punjab information secretary, says: “The masses are fed up with traditional parties. People will vote for the IPP this time and usher in real change.” He says the party will give a tough time to the PML-N and the PPP in south Punjab.

The writer is a journalist based in Lahore. He reports on politics, economy and militancy.  He can be reached on X at @Hassannaqvi5