‘Stop crying’: Maryam takes aim at Bilawal

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has urged the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) to accept its defeat in the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections instead of making allegations of rigging.

In a video statement, Maryam responded to PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s criticism of the election results. She said the PPP should accept the outcome “with an open heart” and focus on its political responsibilities.

Maryam said complaints and accusations would not change the election results. She also advised the PPP to concentrate on governance rather than questioning the electoral process.

Her statement came after Bilawal strongly criticised the PML-N and raised questions about the conduct of the AJK elections. Speaking at a workers’ convention in Muzaffarabad, Bilawal questioned whether the situation in AJK could be described as genuine democracy.

Bilawal claimed that PPP candidates had received strong public support and suggested that the party’s performance did not reflect the votes and expectations of the people. He also questioned whether political interests were being prioritised over the wider interests of AJK.

The remarks triggered a political exchange between the two parties following the completion of polling in the first phase of the AJK Legislative Assembly elections.

According to unofficial and provisional results, the PML-N emerged as the leading party by winning nine of the 13 constituencies contested in the first phase. The PPP secured the remaining four seats across the Mirpur division.

The results prompted celebrations among PML-N workers and supporters, while the PPP raised concerns over the electoral process.

The first phase covered constituencies in Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber. Voting was held on July 27, with polling time extended by one hour after the scheduled closing time.

The electoral contest has intensified political competition between the PML-N and PPP in AJK.