Prominent Businessman Sheikh Ashiq Joins Awami Ittehad Party

Sheikh Ashiq, former president of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries, has joined the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) led by jailed MP Sheikh Abdul Rashid. Ashiq brings significant experience in trade and business, and aims to connect with a large number of supporters. He may contest Assembly polls against prominent opponents.

In a significant political move, prominent businessman and former president of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCCI), Sheikh Ashiq, joined the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) on Saturday. The AIP is led by jailed MP Sheikh Abdul Rashid.

Ashiq's induction into the party was marked by a function attended by AIP's chief spokesperson Inam-un-Nabi and other party leaders. Among those present was Rashid's son, Abrar Rashid. The party sees Ashiq's rich experience in trade and business as a major asset and anticipates a groundswell of support following his entry.

Upon joining, Ashiq expressed his enthusiasm, praising the AIP as the true representative of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Rashid, also known as Engineer Rashid, is the Lok Sabha MP for Baramulla constituency and is currently detained in Tihar Jail on charges of terror funding. Ashiq is expected to contest the upcoming Assembly elections from Ganderbal, where he may face off against high-profile candidates like National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah and PDP's Bashir Ahmad Mir.

(With inputs from agencies.)