ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) continued exchanging sharp criticism over the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections on Wednesday, with both parties accusing each other of benefiting from electoral rigging.
The latest political exchange comes days after the first phase of the AJK Legislative Assembly elections, in which the PML-N won nine seats while the PPP secured four out of the 13 constituencies in the Mirpur division, according to unofficial and provisional results.
Maryam Nawaz rejects rigging allegations
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz dismissed the PPP’s allegations of electoral manipulation, saying the criticism was ironic.
In a post on X, she described the PPP as the “master of sophisticated rigging” and rejected accusations that the PML-N had manipulated the electoral process.
Her statement followed repeated claims by PPP leaders that the first phase of the AJK elections was not conducted fairly.
Bilawal renews criticism of PML-N
Addressing a public gathering in Muzaffarabad, where the second phase of the AJK elections is scheduled for August 2, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari accused the PML-N of having a long history of benefiting from what he described as “rigged elections.”
Maryam Nawaz Tells Bilawal to Accept AJK Election Results ‘With an Open Heart’
Bilawal alleged that the ruling party had repeatedly come to power through electoral manipulation and claimed that senior PML-N leaders currently holding public office were beneficiaries of “Form-47.”
He also pledged that the PPP would resist any attempt to influence the remaining phases of the AJK elections.
PTI urged not to boycott elections
Bilawal also appealed to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to participate in the electoral process instead of boycotting the polls.
He argued that election boycotts only create opportunities for rival political parties and maintained that democratic participation remained the best way to protect the public mandate.
Political tensions continue
The exchange of accusations highlights growing political tensions between the two coalition partners despite their cooperation at the federal level.
The first phase of the AJK elections concluded with the PML-N emerging as the leading party in the Mirpur division, while campaigning continues ahead of the second phase of polling in Muzaffarabad on August 2.
