Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has responded to PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, urging him to accept the results of the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections instead of alleging electoral rigging.
Her remarks came after Bilawal questioned the transparency of the polls and accused authorities of favoring the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
Maryam Rejects Rigging Allegations
In a video statement released on Tuesday, Maryam Nawaz dismissed the PPP’s criticism of the election process.
“Crying will not help. The PPP should have accepted its defeat with an open heart.”
She advised the PPP leadership to focus on governance and political engagement rather than making allegations about the election outcome.
Bilawal Criticised AJK Polls Earlier
Earlier in the day, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari addressed a workers’ convention in Muzaffarabad, where he questioned the credibility of the AJK elections.
He argued that the state must decide whether it would prioritize the national interest or the interests of the PML-N. Bilawal also alleged that attacks on polling stations and the phased election process had undermined the integrity of the vote.
Bilawal calls for transparent AJK elections, seeks inquiry commission
He called for transparent elections and demanded an inquiry into the alleged irregularities.
PML-N Leads in First Phase
According to unofficial and provisional results from the first phase of the AJK Legislative Assembly elections:
- PML-N won 9 seats
- PPP secured 4 seats
The results cover 13 constituencies in the Mirpur division, giving PML-N a clear lead ahead of the remaining phases of the election.
Political Tensions Continue
The exchange of statements reflects growing political tensions between the PML-N and PPP over the AJK elections.
While the PPP continues to question the conduct of the polls, the PML-N maintains that the election outcome reflects the public mandate and has rejected allegations of rigging.
