ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has warned that the “countdown has begun” for the federal government after his party alleged widespread irregularities in the recently held Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections.
The PPP, a key coalition partner of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led federal government, has strongly criticised the conduct of the AJK polls, claiming the electoral process was neither free nor fair.
In a video message released after the election results, Bilawal addressed the PML-N leadership, saying, “To my friends in the PML-N, can you hear that sound? The countdown for the federal government has begun.”
He announced that he would address a public gathering in Bagh district on August 10, urging party supporters in the Poonch region to prepare for the rally.
“Poonch, I am coming. Get ready,” Bilawal said while calling on party workers to remain united.
Bilawal described the AJK elections as “neither free nor fair,” alleging that the polls were marred by large-scale rigging and irregularities.
He claimed the elections were conducted in a manner that undermined the democratic process and questioned the credibility of the results.
Despite the allegations, Bilawal congratulated PPP workers for what he described as a determined campaign, saying the party had managed to secure nine seats despite the circumstances.
“You have won nine seats for the Pakistan Peoples Party despite all this,” he told party supporters.
The PPP chairman also pledged to continue challenging the election outcome, particularly in Mirpur and Muzaffarabad, where he alleged the party’s mandate had been taken away.
He said the PPP would continue its political struggle through democratic means.
“The Pakistan Peoples Party does not lose courage. We do not retreat, and we do not leave the field,” Bilawal stated.
According to Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) won 23 of the 45 seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly, giving the party a simple majority to form the next government.
The victory enables the PML-N to establish its government in the region following the completion of the electoral process.
Shortly before Bilawal’s remarks, senior PPP leader and Sindh Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon also criticised the election process, alleging widespread manipulation during polling.
He claimed the ruling party had benefited from administrative support and accused the Election Commission of failing to ensure a level playing field.
Memon further alleged that complaints raised by senior AJK officials, including the region’s president and prime minister, had not received an adequate response.
The PPP leadership has indicated that it will continue raising concerns over the election process and pursue what it describes as the protection of the public mandate.
Meanwhile, the PML-N has maintained that it secured a legitimate electoral victory and is preparing to form the next government in Azad Jammu and Kashmir after winning a majority of seats.
The latest exchange of statements highlights growing political tensions between two major coalition partners at the federal level, even as both parties remain part of the ruling alliance in Islamabad.
