MUZAFFARABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Tuesday rejected the unofficial results of the Mirpur phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections, alleging that his party’s electoral mandate had been undermined.
Addressing party workers in Muzaffarabad, Bilawal claimed that voters in Mirpur had overwhelmingly supported PPP candidates and said the party would not accept what he described as a manipulated election outcome. He vowed to pursue all available avenues to reclaim the seats he said rightfully belonged to the PPP.
Bilawal argued that democratic principles were being compromised by denying political parties their public mandate. He maintained that the PPP had exercised restraint over the past two years in what he described as the national interest, rather than for the benefit of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
The PPP chairman further alleged that efforts to influence the election had begun before polling day. However, he criticized the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) decision to boycott the AJK elections, saying political parties could not secure their rights by staying away from the electoral process.
He also announced that the PPP would hold a public rally in Muzaffarabad on July 30, saying the gathering would demonstrate the party’s opposition to any attempt to deprive AJK voters of their mandate. Bilawal asserted that the PPP would not allow its electoral support in Muzaffarabad to be taken away.
Expressing concern over violence involving PPP workers, he warned against further escalation and urged authorities to ensure a fair political environment. He also called on the state to prioritize the national interest over partisan considerations.
Bilawal questioned the reported defeat of senior PPP leader Chaudhry Yasin in his traditional constituency, saying he found the result difficult to accept. Referring to recent unrest in AJK, he said dialogue remained the best path forward and proposed establishing a national Truth and Reconciliation Commission to investigate the factors behind the worsening political situation.
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