PML-N, PPP clash over AJK election results as allegations of rigging intensify

KARACHI: The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) on Monday traded accusations over the outcome of the second phase of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections, with both coalition partners taking opposing positions over allegations of rigging.

The dispute emerged after unofficial and provisional results indicated that the PML-N had secured a simple majority in the AJK Legislative Assembly, while the PPP alleged widespread irregularities and questioned the transparency of the electoral process.

Federal Information Minister Ataullah Tarar rejected the PPP’s allegations, saying the opposition party was unwilling to accept the election results.

Talking to media in Islamabad, Tarar said the PML-N had secured a simple majority in AJK and challenged those making allegations of rigging to provide evidence.

He said accusations without proof could not be accepted and added that political disagreements were part of democracy but should be expressed with responsibility and tolerance.

Tarar said questioning the credibility of the AJK elections could also raise questions about the 2024 general elections in Pakistan, after which the PPP became part of the federal coalition government led by the PML-N.

He said voters had supported the PML-N due to its governance and development record, adding that the election results reflected the public mandate.

Meanwhile, PPP leader and Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon accused the PML-N of repeating what he described as the alleged manipulation witnessed during the February 8, 2024 general elections.

Speaking in Karachi, Memon alleged that the federal and Punjab governments worked together to defeat PPP candidates in AJK.

He said the party had submitted complaints to the Election Commission regarding alleged irregularities in several constituencies of Mirpur Division and would continue to pursue the matter through legal and constitutional forums.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also criticised the election process, alleging that the polls were not transparent and accusing the PML-N of attempting to deprive the party of its mandate.

In video messages, Bilawal praised PPP workers and supporters in Kashmir and said the party would continue its struggle for the rights of the people of AJK.

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He claimed that despite alleged pressure and violence, the PPP had secured victories on several seats and vowed to challenge disputed results through political and legal means.

According to unofficial results, the PML-N won 13 of the 20 constituencies where polling was held during the second phase, while the PPP secured five seats. Results of one constituency remain pending after polling in LA-27 Muzaffarabad was postponed due to heavy rainfall and landslides.

The second phase included 21 constituencies, covering nine seats of Muzaffarabad Division and 12 refugee constituencies. Polling in the remaining Poonch Division constituencies is scheduled for August 10.

The PPP has repeatedly alleged electoral misconduct, violence and irregularities during the AJK elections, while the PML-N has rejected the accusations and maintained that the results represent the choice of voters.

The controversy has highlighted growing political tensions between the two major coalition partners, who continue to share power at the federal level while competing against each other in regional politics.