Maryam slams PPP over AJK election rigging claims

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has accused the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) of adopting double standards over election results, saying the party did not allege rigging when it won in Gilgit-Baltistan but raised accusations of electoral fraud after losing in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

Addressing a meeting of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) parliamentary party in AJK, Maryam Nawaz said the PML-N had secured victory in the AJK elections, describing the result as a wise decision by the people despite difficult circumstances.

She said the people of AJK had defeated violence, unrest, bloodshed, protests and strikes through the power of their vote. According to her, certain elements wanted to create conflict between Pakistan and AJK, but the election result was a major setback for them.

Maryam said the people of AJK knew what they wanted and were aware of the development work being carried out in the federal government and Punjab. She maintained that voters had chosen development and progress over confrontation and instability.

The Punjab chief minister said the election was not the biggest test for the PML-N, adding that the real test had now begun. She said her party had faced numerous conspiracies and challenges, while its leaders had also gone through difficult phases.

“We have to start working from day one and should not spend time enjoying protocols and invitations,” she said.

Referring to the 2021 AJK elections, Maryam said the PML-N had won 17 seats while the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had secured three seats.

She said immediate work would begin for AJK once the government was formed, stressing that the new administration should focus on public welfare and development.

Maryam Nawaz also described PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif as the founder of modern Pakistan, saying the party would continue its efforts to promote development and progress.