PPP Leaders Confident of AJK Election Victory, Criticize Rivals

Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarians (PPP-P) Secretary General Syed Nayyer Hussain Bukhari stated that his party played a decisive role in sustaining the country’s democratic system by supporting the PML-N government. He expressed confidence that the PPP would secure a majority in the upcoming Azad Kashmir elections. Bukhari criticized governance in Punjab, noting that roads turn into ponds after rain, and alleged that the highest number of corruption cases involve PML-N leaders. Regarding AJK, he asserted that the decision on who becomes Prime Minister of Kashmir would be made by the people of Kashmir. He recalled that the PPP’s position was to postpone elections until the law and order situation improved, contrasting it with PML-N ministers who had maintained it was a constitutional matter. Bukhari questioned the PML-N ministers' stance now that phased elections have been announced. He affirmed that the PPP would contest the elections, secure a majority, and elect its own Prime Minister in Azad Kashmir. Referring to Nawaz Sharif, Bukhari commented that he had opened his eyes very late and, unable to become Prime Minister of Pakistan, now desired Kashmir, adding he was glad Nawaz Sharif had returned to politics, even if for this desire.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, addressing an election rally in Mirpur, reiterated that the upcoming election in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) is one of the most important, with the region's future directly linked to its result. He detailed that the PPP’s manifesto for the people of AJK focuses on securing rights of governance, ownership, and employment. Bhutto-Zardari emphasized that the future of Kashmir should be decided by Kashmiris themselves, not by people from outside the region. He referred to the contributions of former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, highlighting his role in giving Pakistan its Constitution, carrying out historic work, and providing the country with the atomic bomb. His aim, he stated, is to ensure Kashmiri representatives sit in the Senate and the National Assembly to raise their own issues and defend their rights. He praised President Asif Ali Zardari for completing the unfinished work of provincial rights through the 18th Amendment. Bhutto-Zardari expressed his desire for the people of Kashmir to be included in national financial and policy forums, including the National Finance Commission (NFC) and the Council of Common Interests. He pledged that if he receives a two-thirds majority, he would bring a constitutional amendment to protect the rights of the people of AJK. He rejected the view that the 12 refugee seats in AJK belong to anyone personally and criticized what he called unfair treatment of refugees. He also spoke about ongoing protests in AJK, calling for a commission to investigate the situation and for protests to be managed without creating difficulties for ordinary citizens. He criticized restrictions on internet services in AJK.

Amidst the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) are reportedly trading blame. This comes as federal coalition partners, who stand together in Islamabad, are observed to be competing fiercely in the AJK elections.

Sharjeel Memon has accused pre-poll rigging in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections. Questions are also being raised regarding the true reasons for the phased election schedule, beyond official security concerns.

The Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) has reportedly entered the race for the upcoming Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari criticized Nawaz Sharif's election manifesto during his campaign for the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Elections. He also stated his desire for the people of Azad Kashmir to enjoy the same rights as those in Pakistan and India.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has criticized the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leadership. During his speech, he specifically mentioned Maryam and Nawaz Sharif.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has strongly criticized the internet shutdown in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), terming it an injustice against Kashmiris. He also asserted that only Kashmiris have the right to decide their future, not Punjab or Sindh.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has described the upcoming elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) as potentially the "most significant" in the region's history, stating that AJK's future is linked to their outcome. Addressing a rally in Mirpur, the PPP chairman emphasized that the decisions made in these elections would determine the future of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He pledged that his party would ensure the people of AJK receive rights to self-governance, employment, and greater self-rule, drawing a parallel to promises made for Gilgit-Baltistan.

The AJK PPP Chief has sent a letter to the Election Commissioner regarding the ongoing elections. Additionally, Dr. Tehniyat, identified as the first female candidate in Muzaffarabad, has stated that she has received great support.

The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Election Commission (AJKEC) has announced that international election observers and foreign journalists will be permitted to monitor and report on the electoral process across Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Chief Election Commissioner Justice (retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal also stated that presiding officers would provide polling results to polling agents immediately after voting concludes, in accordance with election laws.

Furthermore, more than 25,000 government employees in AJK cast their ballots peacefully during advance polling held a day earlier. The revised three-phase schedule for the 2026 Legislative Assembly elections was decided after consultations with all major political parties, ensuring effective deployment of security forces.

Lubna Rehan Pirzada, Secretary Information of Pakistan Muslim League-N Women Wing City Rawalpindi and former member of Punjab Assembly, has stated that Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) candidates from Rawalpindi will be successful on refugee seats in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections.

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has reportedly raised reservations concerning the Azad Kashmir elections.

In the lead-up to the Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections, a rally by Bilawal Bhutto in Azad Kashmir has been postponed. Additionally, polling for government employees assigned to election duties has been completed.

The Election Commission of Azad Kashmir has confirmed the revised three-phase schedule for the legislative assembly elections, with polling set to begin on July 27. Chief Election Commissioner Mustafa Mughal dismissed rumors of a potential postponement due to the prevailing situation, stating that the staggered electoral process would also mean that results will be announced phase by phase, rather than simultaneously after all polling concludes. He also rejected the perception that the overall law and order situation in Kashmir was deteriorating, clarifying that military assistance is sought only when civil authorities are unable to maintain control.