Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Wednesday claimed that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) intends to amend the Constitution to enable three-time former prime minister Nawaz Sharif to become the prime minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
Addressing a public rally in LA-3 Mirpur City ahead of the AJK elections, Bilawal said the PML-N wanted “a citizen of Raiwind who has already served three times as Pakistan’s prime minister” to also become the premier of Azad Kashmir.
Bilawal’s remarks reflect his party’s political stance. The PML-N has not announced any constitutional amendment proposal for this purpose.
Remarks Follow Nawaz Sharif’s Joke
The PPP chairman’s comments came a day after Nawaz Sharif, while addressing party workers in Muzaffarabad, jokingly said he would ask Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to make him the prime minister of AJK if the PML-N won the upcoming regional elections.
Bilawal alleged that the PML-N wanted constitutional changes that would allow Pakistan’s prime minister to appoint the AJK premier.
AJK Elections to Be Held in Three Phases
The elections for the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly are scheduled to take place in three phases.
According to AJK Chief Election Commissioner Ghulam Mustafa Mughal:
- Mirpur Division will vote on July 27.
- Muzaffarabad Division will vote on August 2.
- Poonch Division will vote on August 10.
Bilawal described the upcoming polls as one of the most significant elections in AJK’s history, saying the region’s future would be shaped by the outcome.
Nawaz Sharif Jokes About Becoming AJK PM if PML-N Wins Elections
PPP Highlights Constitutional Achievements
During his speech, Bilawal praised the PPP’s constitutional contributions, saying former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto gave Pakistan its unanimous Constitution.
He also credited President Asif Ali Zardari with securing greater provincial autonomy through the 18th Constitutional Amendment.
Bilawal urged voters to support the PPP, saying he wanted the people of Azad Kashmir to enjoy rights comparable to those available in the rest of Pakistan.
Calls for Truth Commission and Electoral Reforms
The PPP chairman reiterated his proposal for establishing a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to address issues arising from recent protests in Azad Kashmir.
He also said both protesters and the authorities were causing hardship for ordinary citizens through the continued suspension of internet and mobile phone services.
Bilawal further argued that while migrants should have the right to vote and contest elections, the future of Azad Kashmir should ultimately be decided by its residents.
Responds to PML-N’s Development Claims
Responding to recent criticism from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz regarding the PPP-led Sindh government, Bilawal questioned the PML-N’s development narrative.
He remarked that the party appeared to view only Raiwind as representing Punjab and asked whether its leadership had visited areas such as Cholistan, Pothohar, Rajanpur, Vehari, and Dera Ghazi Khan.
The exchange reflects the increasingly sharp political rhetoric between the PPP and PML-N as campaigning intensifies ahead of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections.
