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PPP Files Complaint Over Pre-Poll ‘Gift’
The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has formally approached the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Election Commission, raising objections over Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s announcement to provide 10 electric buses to the region ahead of the AJK Legislative Assembly elections .
PPP Secretary General Nayyar Bukhari met AJK Chief Election Commissioner Justice (retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal and called for action over the buses, which bear images of the Punjab chief minister along with banners reading “A gift for Azad Kashmir” .
Bukhari alleged that the buses, purchased with taxpayers’ money from Punjab, were being used as a “political bribe” to influence voters and that the move violated election laws since the election schedule had already been announced .
Violation of Election Code of Conduct
The AJK Election Commission has warned that announcing new development schemes, financial packages, or public facilities during the election campaign constitutes a breach of the code of conduct .
An Election Commission spokesperson clarified that while federal and provincial ministers may campaign in AJK, they cannot use official protocol, government resources, or state machinery for electoral purposes .
Any vehicles, equipment, or relief goods sent by the federal or provincial governments during the election period could be confiscated and action taken against those responsible .
Political Reactions and Context
Bukhari questioned whether the buses displaying Maryam Nawaz’s photographs were purchased from personal funds or public money, arguing that government resources cannot be used for political promotion .
Maryam Nawaz had announced the buses during election campaign rallies, describing them as a gift for the people of Azad Kashmir. The buses were dispatched from Murree and arrived in Muzaffarabad on July 24 .
Former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry also criticized the move, alleging that Punjab’s resources were being used as if they were personal assets to influence elections .
The AJK elections, originally scheduled for July 27, will now be held in three phases, beginning on July 27 and concluding on August 10
