PML-N, PPP spar over AJK election results

ISLAMABAD/KARACHI: Two main coalition partners publicly clashed on Monday over the outcome of the second phase of elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), with the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) rejecting allegations of rigging levelled by the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP).

The exchange came after unofficial and provisional results showed the PML-N securing a simple majority in the AJK Legislative Assembly, while the PPP alleged widespread electoral irregularities.

Federal Information Minister Ataullah Tarar dismissed the allegations, saying opponents were unwilling to accept the PML-N’s victory.

“The PML-N has secured a simple majority in AJK, but its opponents are unable to digest the result,” Tarar told a news conference in Islamabad.

He challenged those alleging electoral fraud to present evidence, saying accusations without proof were baseless.

Tarar said questioning the credibility of the AJK election would also cast doubt on the legitimacy of the 2024 general election in Pakistan, after which the PPP joined the PML-N-led coalition government at the centre.

“Political differences are part of democracy, but they should be expressed with tolerance and responsibility,” he said, adding that voters had backed the PML-N on the basis of its governance and development record.

His remarks came hours after Sindh Senior Minister and PPP leader Sharjeel Inam Memon accused the PML-N of repeating what he described as the alleged manipulation seen during Pakistan’s February 8, 2024, general election.

“What happened on February 8, 2024, has been repeated in Kashmir,” Memon told reporters in Karachi, alleging that the federal and Punjab governments had worked together to defeat PPP candidates in AJK.

He said the PPP had submitted complaints to the Election Commission over alleged irregularities in parts of Mirpur Division, but no action had been taken.

“We will pursue the matter through legal and constitutional forums,” Memon said, adding that the party would not resort to abusive language or confrontation.

Tarar rejected the allegations, saying the PML-N had consistently prioritised AJK’s development and that the election outcome reflected the will of the people.

He also noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had congratulated the PPP on its victory in the recent Gilgit-Baltistan elections, describing it as a democratic tradition that should be reciprocated.

The public exchange highlighted growing strains within Pakistan’s governing coalition, whose two largest partners continue to compete fiercely in provincial and regional elections despite sharing power at the federal level.

According to unofficial and provisional results, the PML-N won 13 of the 20 constituencies where polling was held in the second phase, while the PPP secured five seats.

Results from one constituency remain pending after polling in LA-27 Muzaffarabad was postponed to August 4 because heavy rain and landslides prevented election staff and materials from reaching polling stations.

The second phase covered 21 constituencies, including nine in Muzaffarabad Division and 12 refugee constituencies.

Polling hours were extended by one hour in eight Muzaffarabad Division constituencies because of weather-related disruptions.

The election is being held in three phases. The first phase took place in Mirpur Division on July 27, while voting in Poonch Division is scheduled for August 10.

The PPP has alleged electoral misconduct, violence and rigging in several constituencies.

Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari accused the PML-N of attempting to “steal the public mandate” and said AJK PPP President Chaudhry Latif Akbar was attacked during polling in LA-31, where party worker Mushtaq Shah was killed.

The AJK Election Commission has not publicly responded to the latest allegations, while the PML-N has rejected claims that the electoral process was manipulated.