The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has once again accused the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) of manipulating the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections, demanding that the results be declared null and void and fresh elections be held across the region.
The allegations were made during a press conference in Islamabad led by PPP Secretary General Nayyar Hussain Bukhari, accompanied by several senior party leaders. The party claimed that widespread irregularities had compromised the credibility of the electoral process and denied voters the opportunity to cast their ballots freely.
Bukhari alleged that PPP candidates in Mirpur and Muzaffarabad were deprived of victory through systematic electoral manipulation. According to him, the decision to conduct the elections in three phases created opportunities for interference and ultimately undermined the fairness of the polls.
He argued that Pakistan had never witnessed elections being conducted in such a phased manner and questioned the Election Commission’s decision to adopt the approach. Bukhari claimed that the phased schedule was designed to influence results and warned that plans to continue the same strategy in Poonch Division would further damage public confidence.
The PPP leader also referred to remarks allegedly made by senior PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah, claiming he had previously stated that his party already had “10 refugee seats in his pocket.” Bukhari argued that the statement indicated the outcome had been predetermined and later pointed to the PML-N’s victory in all refugee constituencies as evidence supporting his allegations.
He further alleged that preparations were already underway to influence the remaining phase of the AJK elections and insisted that immediate action was necessary to protect the integrity of the democratic process.
The party also criticized the role of the Election Commission, claiming the institution failed to ensure transparent and impartial elections. Bukhari said the commission must answer serious questions regarding its handling of the polls and the complaints raised by political parties.
He questioned the unusually high voter turnout reported in several constituencies, particularly in Mirpur, where turnout reportedly reached around 90 percent. According to Bukhari, some polling stations even recorded participation exceeding 80 percent, figures he described as highly questionable.
The PPP leader specifically referred to the LA-9 and LA-12 constituencies, claiming the party possessed evidence suggesting irregularities had altered the outcome of those seats.
Senior PPP leader Chaudhry Latif Akbar also accused the ruling party of using intimidation and violence during the election campaign. He claimed he was personally attacked and alleged that PPP workers faced harassment and were prevented from reaching polling stations.
Akbar questioned the reported voter turnout in his constituency, where officials claimed participation reached approximately 84 percent. He also criticized the justification given for holding elections in phases, saying authorities cited security concerns despite deploying minimal personnel at polling stations.
According to him, billions of rupees were allocated for election security, yet many polling stations reportedly had only one police officer equipped with a baton. Akbar claimed that despite repeatedly informing the Election Commission about alleged irregularities and violence, no effective action was taken.
He further argued that the alleged manipulation had damaged the democratic rights of Kashmiris and raised concerns about the credibility of future elections.
Senior PPP leader Chaudhry Yasin described the latest AJK elections as the worst in the region’s history. He questioned claims of voter turnout reaching as high as 95 percent in certain constituencies, arguing that such figures lacked credibility.
Yasin also alleged that police personnel from Punjab mistreated voters during the election process and said the reported irregularities had sent a negative message regarding democratic practices in Kashmir.
Responding to questions about possible discussions with the PML-N, Bukhari confirmed that both parties had held talks following the Mirpur elections. According to him, an understanding had been reached that incidents reported in Mirpur would not be repeated in Muzaffarabad and that re-polling would be conducted where suspicious turnout was recorded.
However, Bukhari alleged that the ruling party later failed to honour that understanding. He stated that the PPP currently has no plans to resume dialogue with the PML-N regarding the election dispute, adding that the party leadership would determine its future political strategy.
The PPP also highlighted its victory in one constituency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but maintained that its losses in Azad Kashmir were the result of electoral manipulation rather than public opinion.
The party reiterated its demand for the Election Commission to declare the disputed results invalid, order fresh elections in affected constituencies, and conduct a transparent investigation into the alleged irregularities.
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