MUZAFFARABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has vowed to reclaim all of his party’s seats in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections through legal and constitutional means, while urging the Election Commission to investigate alleged irregularities during the first phase of polling.
According to the unofficial results of the first phase of the AJK Legislative Assembly elections, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) won nine seats, while the PPP secured four of the 13 constituencies contested in the Mirpur division. The PPP has consistently alleged electoral irregularities, claims that the PML-N has denied.
PPP claims evidence of alleged rigging
Addressing a press conference in Muzaffarabad on Wednesday, Bilawal said the PPP possessed evidence of alleged irregularities at 30 polling stations, claiming that some stations recorded an unusually high 99% voter turnout.
He alleged that those polling stations had been “occupied” and insisted the PPP would not allow anyone to “rob” the party of its mandate.
“We will reclaim every one of our seats through legal and constitutional means,” Bilawal said.
He also maintained that the future of Kashmir should be decided by the people of Kashmir, adding that the PPP had practical solutions to the region’s political challenges.
Calls for Election Commission action
Bilawal urged the Election Commission to immediately investigate the alleged irregularities before the second phase of polling on August 2.
He said the PPP expected its concerns to be addressed before voting resumes and added that if any inquiry found the AJK prime minister responsible for wrongdoing, his party would accept accountability under the law.
Maryam Nawaz Tells Bilawal to Accept AJK Election Results ‘With an Open Heart’
Proposal for truth and reconciliation commission
The PPP chairman proposed the formation of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to independently investigate allegations surrounding the elections.
He urged all political stakeholders to suspend protests until the commission completed its inquiry and presented its findings.
Bilawal also called on authorities to restore internet services in Muzaffarabad, saying uninterrupted communication was essential for residents during the electoral process.
Warns against election boycott
Bilawal cautioned political parties against boycotting the second phase of the elections, arguing that such a move would make it easier for those accused of manipulating the polls.
“In an environment of boycott, the decision about the AJK government will be made by Raiwind, not Kashmir,” he said, referring to the PML-N’s political base.
He further claimed that voters would reject those attempting to influence elections through violence or coercion and warned that the PPP remained committed to defending its mandate through constitutional means.
