Sardar Khalid Ibrahim Khan (born November 5, 1948) is a Kashmiri politician in Pakistan.
He is President of Pakistan Administered Kashmir’s political party Jammu Kashmir Peoples Party. He is the son of Pakistan Administered Kashmir’s ‘founder’, Sardar Muhammad Ibrahim Khan. Sardar Khalid Ibrahim was born in Rawalakot, but his roots go back to the Kashmiri Sudhans(or Sudhanzai) tribe, who claim mixed descent from the Afghan Sadozais and local indigenous tribes of the area. The Sudhanzai is the single largest tribe(1.2 million) of the Pakistan Administered Kashmir. He resigned from the Legislative Assembly of Azad Kashmir on two occasions.
In an exclusive interview with The News Kashmir Sardar Khalid Ibrahim Khan, talks to Editor-in-Chief Farzana Mumtaz
- How do you analyze the upcoming Pakistan administered Kashmir polls?
In India-Pakistan context upcoming polls are of great importance. The ruling party in Pakistan is also contesting these elections, what mandate Pakistan Muslim League (N) secures is important. Future dialogue process between India –Pakistan depends on elections results in Azad Kashmir.
- India says these elections have no credibility. Your take?
India-Pakistan both trade allegations whenever elections are held in either part of Jammu and Kashmir but because of their continuity, Azad Kashmir elections have a better international credibility.
- What are prospects of your party in these elections?
Jammu Kashmir Peoples Party is contesting elections in alliance with Pakistan Muslim league (N) therefore chances of forming a coalition Government are bright.
- Do you agree politicians in your part are less qualified?
Of all the princely states of the sub-continent, Jammu and Kashmir is the only state which assumed international Personality, which was result of decisions made by Azad Kashmir’s Leadership. With the passage of time people have changed their priorities and prefer to choose more accessible politicians rather than qualified.
- Pakistan has neglected Pakistan Administered Kashmir in terms of Development. Your take?
Azad Kashmir has come a long way as for as development is concerned especially in education and communication sector. Rate of literacy was gone up from 4 % in1947 to 68% in 2016, road network (metalled) was 125 km which now is 4000 km, with more planning; funds provided by Pakistan government could have been better utilized.
- What is main manifesto of your party?
Our foremost objective is to sustain international personality of the Kashmir issue and seeking solution of the problem in light of UNCIP resolutions. Secondly, achieving self-reliance economically is also one of our top priorities.
- Is Pakistan failing to win war against extremism?
Pakistan a front line state against terrorism has rendered immense sacrifices and has established writ in areas where extremism had made in roads earlier.
Fight against extremism is a long draw process; politically speaking there is very little space for extremism in Pakistan society. We are sure that time is not far away where moderate forces would thrive.
- Your view on Gilgit demand of separate state?
Gilgit-Baltistan is part and parcel of Jammu And Kashmir State and would decide its future with union of state in accordance with UNCIP resolutions.
- Your message?
People should rise above their personal considerations and vote for the right people for the right job.
