Senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader and former Petroleum Minister Khurram Dastgir announced on Tuesday that a political ‘countdown’ involving all parties is expected to commence by October. His remarks came amid escalating tensions between coalition partners and heightened political rhetoric.
Speaking on a morning news program, Dastgir emphasized the need for political parties to maintain decorum and avoid provocative statements during election campaigns. He urged all sides to exercise caution and refrain from making unfounded accusations, particularly in light of the recent heated exchanges witnessed during the elections in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
Addressing the alliance between PML-N and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Dastgir affirmed that the coalition would remain stable as long as President Asif Ali Zardari remained involved. He noted that the PPP holds the discretion to decide whether to join the government or remain in opposition within AJK. He expressed openness to welcoming the PPP into the government if they choose to participate.
Responding to PPP’s claims of rigging in the AJK elections, Dastgir defended the autonomy of the AJK Election Commission. He acknowledged the PPP’s right to raise allegations but stressed the importance of providing evidence. He assured that any complaints would be thoroughly investigated based on proof. The final phase of the AJK elections is scheduled to conclude on August 10.
On security matters, Dastgir reiterated the government’s commitment to combating militancy, stating that decisive action against terrorism remains a top priority for the year.
Regarding recent political comments by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Dastgir remarked that the minister had simply shared his personal views. He suggested that if Naqvi has a specific agenda, it should be formally presented for discussion.
These statements followed PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s announcement of a nationwide political movement against the federal government. Bilawal declared that the ‘countdown’ for the PML-N government had already begun, signaling intensified political activity.
Bilawal, speaking at a rally in Azad Kashmir, warned the PML-N to prepare as the PPP was mobilizing. He announced plans to visit Poonch and called on party workers to gear up for upcoming rallies, including one in Bagh district. He criticized the AJK elections as flawed and marred by rigging but highlighted that PPP candidates still secured nine seats. He vowed to reclaim seats allegedly taken from the party in Mirpur and Muzaffarabad.
He urged supporters to ensure the victory of PPP candidates Bazil Naqvi and Javed Ayub in Muzaffarabad on August 4, framing it as a move to counter what he described as a PML-N conspiracy. Bilawal also announced he would address a rally in Bagh on August 10, emphasizing the PPP’s resilience and determination to remain active in the political arena.
