- WEB DESK
- August 4, 2026
Khurram Dastgir says ‘countdown’ for all political parties to begin by October
-
- WEB DESK
- August 4, 2026
WEB DESK: Senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader and former Minister of Petroleum Khurram Dastgir said on Tuesday that the “countdown” for all political parties would begin by October, responding to recent political rhetoric amid growing tensions between coalition partners.
Speaking on Hum News’ programme Subh Se Agay, Dastgir said political parties should avoid inflammatory statements and remain within the bounds of decency during election campaigns.
“We should exercise restraint in our public statements and refrain from making baseless allegations,” he said, referring to the heated exchanges witnessed during recent elections in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
Addressing the PML-N’s alliance with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Dastgir said the coalition would remain intact as long as President Asif Ali Zardari was part of the equation. He added that it was up to the PPP to decide whether it wanted to join the government or sit in the opposition in AJK.
“We would welcome the PPP if it chooses to become part of the government,” he said.
Responding to the PPP’s allegations of election rigging in the AJK polls, Dastgir defended the independence of the AJK Election Commission.
“The PPP has every right to level allegations, but evidence is essential,” he said, adding that the Election Commission would investigate any complaints on the basis of proof. He noted that the third and final phase of the AJK elections would conclude on August 10.
On the security situation, Dastgir said the government remained committed to tackling militancy: “There will be decisive action against terrorism, and eliminating terrorism is our priority this year.”
Commenting on Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s recent political remarks, Dastgir said Naqvi had merely expressed his opinion: “If the interior minister has an agenda in mind, he should bring it forward for discussion.”
His remarks came a day after PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari announced a nationwide political movement against the federal government and declared that the “countdown” for the PML-N government had already begun.
Bilawal announces countrywide movement against federal government
Bilawal had announced a nationwide political movement on Monday night against the federal government, declaring that the “countdown” for the PML-N has begun.
Addressing a rally in Azad Kashmir, Bilawal said PML-N should take note, as the PPP was entering the field. He announced he would travel to Poonch and asked party workers to prepare, also announcing an upcoming rally in Bagh district.
He voiced reservations over the AJK elections, alleging they were not free and fair but marred by rigging. Despite this, he said, the people had still elected PPP candidates on nine seats. He claimed the party would reclaim seats “snatched” from it in Mirpur and Muzaffarabad.
Bilawal appealed to workers to ensure the victory of Bazil Naqvi and Javed Ayub from Muzaffarabad on August 4, calling it a way to foil what he described as a PML-N conspiracy. He said August 10 would be Poonch’s turn, where he would address a rally in Bagh.
He said the PPP never loses courage, never retreats and never leaves the field, urging workers to stay ready for upcoming political activity.
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