Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has pledged to recover every seat that his party believes it lost in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections by pursuing legal and constitutional channels. Speaking at a press conference in Muzaffarabad, Bilawal alleged that serious irregularities occurred during the first phase of polling and called for an immediate investigation into the election process.
According to the official results, the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML N) secured nine seats, while the PPP won four out of the 13 seats contested in the Mirpur division. Since the results were announced, the PPP has repeatedly raised concerns over the fairness of the elections. However, PML N leaders have strongly rejected all allegations of election rigging.
Bilawal claimed that the PPP possesses evidence showing that nearly 30 polling stations recorded an unusually high 99 percent voter turnout, alleging that these polling stations had been occupied during the voting process. He emphasized that the party would not allow its mandate to be taken away and promised to recover every disputed seat through lawful means.
During the press conference, Bilawal stated that the future of Kashmir should be decided by the people of Kashmir and not by outside influences. He urged the Election Commission to investigate the alleged electoral irregularities before the second phase of polling, which is scheduled for August 2. He also said the PPP would accept accountability if any inquiry found wrongdoing by its own leadership.
The PPP chairman proposed the formation of a truth and reconciliation commission to examine all allegations related to the elections and present an impartial report. He requested political parties and other stakeholders to suspend protests until the commission completed its investigation.
Bilawal also called on the authorities to restore internet services in Muzaffarabad, saying residents should have uninterrupted access to communication.
Rejecting any suggestion of an election boycott, Bilawal warned that staying away from the second phase of voting would only benefit those accused of manipulating the electoral process. He expressed confidence that the people of AJK would reject politics based on intimidation and reaffirmed that the PPP would continue its struggle through democratic and constitutional means.
