Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has pledged to recover all the party’s seats in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections by lawful and constitutional methods. He emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into alleged rigging during the initial phase of polling.
In the Mirpur division, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) secured nine seats, while the PPP managed to win four out of the 13 contested seats. The PPP has consistently criticized the election process, whereas PML-N leaders have dismissed the rigging accusations.
Speaking at a press conference in Muzaffarabad late Wednesday, Bilawal presented evidence suggesting that some polling stations reported voter turnout as high as 99%. He also highlighted that 30 polling stations had been forcibly occupied. He asserted that the PPP would not allow its votes to be stolen and vowed to reclaim all its seats through legal channels.
“Kashmir will determine Kashmir’s destiny, and no one else,” Bilawal declared, adding that the PPP possesses solutions to the challenges confronting AJK. He urged that the party’s demands be addressed promptly, ideally before the second phase of voting scheduled for August 2.
He called on the Election Commission to take swift action regarding the alleged electoral irregularities. Furthermore, Bilawal stated that if the investigation implicated the Azad Kashmir prime minister in any wrongdoing, the PPP would be prepared to accept accountability accordingly.
In a significant development, the PPP chairman proposed establishing a truth and reconciliation commission to examine the election-related allegations and produce a comprehensive report. He also appealed to all stakeholders to suspend protests until the commission completes its inquiry.
Bilawal urged authorities to restore internet services in Muzaffarabad to benefit local residents. He cautioned against boycotting the second phase of the AJK elections, warning that such a boycott would grant those accused of rigging greater freedom to manipulate the electoral process.
“In a boycott scenario, decisions for AJK will be made in Raiwind, not Kashmir,” he said, referencing the PML-N’s political base. The PPP chairman noted that Kashmiris strongly resented the party whose ministers questioned the Kashmiri identity of Rawalakot’s people.
Bilawal concluded by stating that the public would reject those attempting to win elections through violence and coercion. “Let the state fear the day when the PPP declares it does not accept these elections,” he warned.
