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PPP Alleges Vote Rigging, Demands Scrutiny of Three Constituencies
A political row between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has intensified after the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections, with both parties trading accusations over the conduct and outcome of the polls.
Former prime minister and senior PPP leader Raja Pervaiz Ashraf alleged that his party was denied a fair mandate, claiming the PPP has video evidence of irregularities during polling. Ashraf stated that PPP candidates had requested the Chief Election Commissioner to withhold results and investigate complaints, alleging that ballot papers were burned in some areas and PPP workers were forcibly removed from polling stations [citation:9].
Ashraf questioned unusually high voter turnout figures, noting that in constituencies such as LA-12 and LA-5—where many registered voters live abroad—turnout reportedly ranged from 88% to 94%, with some polling stations recording zero rejected votes. He demanded that only constituencies where complaints surfaced should be reviewed, warning that delays could damage public trust in the electoral process [citation:9].
PML-N Rejects Claims, Says Mandate Must Be Respected
Responding to the allegations, Punjab Information Minister Uzma Bukhari rejected the PPP’s claims, stating that political parties must learn to accept the public’s verdict. “Democracy requires that the mandate of the people be respected,” Bukhari said, adding that the people of AJK had expressed confidence in PML-N leadership and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s governance.
Bukhari pointed to Punjab government projects, including the Green Bus Service, road infrastructure, education reforms, and laptop distribution as examples of visible governance. She challenged the PPP to explain what it has delivered in Sindh over the past 18 years [citation:9].
Sharjeel Memon Joins Fray, Alleges Irregularities
Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon also entered the debate, claiming voter turnout in some Mirpur Division constituencies reached unusually high levels, with one constituency allegedly recording 110% voting. He demanded that the results of three constituencies, including that of Chaudhry Yasin, be reopened and reviewed. Memon accused PML-N of following the same pattern of alleged irregularities witnessed during the 2024 general elections [citation:9].
The PPP has said it would use all democratic and legal options if it believes injustice has been done, while the PML-N insists the results reflect the public’s mandate. The AJK elections, originally scheduled for July 27, are now being held in three phases, with the first phase concluding in Mirpur Division on July 27 [citation:9].
