Bilawal warns of fallout over election rigging, urges PTI to end boycott

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has warned that any attempt to manipulate election results would trigger serious political

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has warned that any attempt to manipulate election results would trigger serious political consequences, saying the federal government’s “countdown” would begin if the public mandate was stolen.

Addressing a public gathering in Muzaffarabad, Bilawal stressed that elections must be decided through the ballot box and not through alleged interference or manipulation. He called for transparency in the electoral process and said any theft of votes should not be concealed.

He said the principle of democracy demands that the candidate who receives the people’s votes should emerge victorious. Bilawal added that he wanted to see peace, justice and genuine public representation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

The PPP chairman pledged to safeguard the rights of the people of Kashmir, saying decisions regarding the region should be made by its elected assembly. He also announced plans to convene a constitutional convention after the elections, bringing together representatives of the government, opposition, refugees, lawyers and civil society to discuss constitutional and governance reforms.

Highlighting the concerns of Kashmiri refugees, Bilawal said their genuine representation must be protected. He argued that if their votes were manipulated or controlled by others, their longstanding issues would remain unresolved.

He described Kashmiri refugees as an integral part of the region’s history and political movement and said Kashmir should have representation in institutions where major national decisions are made.

During the address, Bilawal also extended what he described as a political olive branch to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), urging the party to abandon the politics of boycott and actively participate in the democratic process.

He said PTI should contest elections, engage in parliamentary politics and work through committees instead of distancing itself from democratic institutions. Bilawal added that if the party intended to boycott every political process, it would have been better to remain outside politics altogether.

Calling for broader political cooperation, the PPP chairman invited what he termed “serious politicians” from PTI and other political workers to join hands in pursuing parliamentary reforms. He said all democratic forces should work together to strengthen institutions and improve the country’s political system.