AJK PML-N chief rejects PPP rigging allegations, calls polls free and fair

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) President Shah Ghulam Qadir has strongly rejected the Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) allegations of election rigging, describing the claims as “baseless” and insisting that the election results genuinely reflect the will of the people.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) President Shah Ghulam Qadir has strongly rejected the Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) allegations of election rigging, describing the claims as “baseless” and insisting that the election results genuinely reflect the will of the people.

Addressing party office-bearers and workers from across Azad Jammu and Kashmir, as well as representatives of Kashmiri refugees from Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) residing in Pakistan, Qadir congratulated supporters on what he described as a decisive electoral victory for the PML-N.

He said the party was preparing to establish a stable government in AJK under the leadership of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. According to Qadir, the upcoming government will focus on accelerating development projects and improving public welfare across the region.

Highlighting the party’s previous tenure, Qadir said that infrastructure and development initiatives undertaken by the PML-N in AJK demonstrate its commitment to serving the people. He added that the party remains determined to address public concerns and deliver essential services at the grassroots level.

With the final phase of polling in Rawalakot Division scheduled for August 10, Qadir appealed to party workers to maintain peace, cooperate with election authorities, and help ensure a smooth electoral process. He expressed confidence that voters in Rawalakot would extend their support to the PML-N, predicting a strong electoral performance in the division.

Responding to criticism from opposition parties, Qadir reiterated that the elections in Mirpur Division, Muzaffarabad Division, and the 12 refugee constituencies reserved for Kashmiris from IIOJK settled in Pakistan were conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner. He argued that the election results clearly demonstrated public confidence in the PML-N.

Qadir also criticised the PPP, suggesting that the party should focus on addressing governance challenges in Sindh rather than questioning the electoral process in AJK.

The meeting was attended by several senior PML-N leaders, including AJK Legislative Assembly member Raja Muhammad Riasat Khan, former minister Sardar Farooq Sikandar, Kashmir Council member Malik Muhammad Hanif, and other party officials, who congratulated Qadir on the party’s performance in the recently concluded phases of the AJK elections.