KARACHI: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Sharjeel Inam Memon on Monday accused the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) of orchestrating “historic rigging” in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections, warning that the “countdown” for the federal government had begun.
His remarks came after senior PML-N leaders claimed the party had secured a simple majority in the AJK Legislative Assembly following the second phase of polling.
PPP alleges ‘historic rigging’
Addressing the media, Memon alleged that the PML-N, with the support of the Election Commission, manipulated the electoral process and stole the mandate of both the people of Kashmir and the PPP.
“The countdown begins for the federal government.”
He further alleged that PML-N candidates had received ballot papers two days before polling.
According to Memon, even complaints made by the serving AJK president and prime minister were ignored by the administration.
“Historic rigging was carried out in the AJK polls.”
Questions 2024 general election mandate
The PPP leader also referred to Pakistan’s 2024 general elections, questioning whether senior PML-N leaders had genuinely won their seats.
He named Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, suggesting their victories should also be scrutinised.
Bilawal vows to reclaim all PPP’s seats in AJK through legal means
PML-N claims majority in AJK
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, accompanied by Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs Amir Muqam, announced that the PML-N had secured 23 of the 45 seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly, giving it a simple majority to form the government.
Sanaullah said the party had won 14 seats in the second phase of elections, including four of seven constituencies in Muzaffarabad, while also securing 10 of the 12 refugee seats.
He added that polling in LA-27 had been postponed due to adverse weather, with voting scheduled to take place on Tuesday at polling stations in LA-27 and LA-28.
The PML-N parliamentary party, he said, would meet after the final phase of elections on August 10 to discuss government formation.
PPP rejects election outcome
According to unofficial and provisional results, the PML-N has won 23 seats, while the PPP has secured nine seats so far.
The PPP has consistently rejected the election process, alleging widespread irregularities, violence and attacks on its workers during polling.
The party has maintained that the elections were neither free nor fair and has demanded accountability over the alleged electoral irregularities.
