Bilawal warns against election rigging in AJK, urges free and fair polls

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has warned that any attempt to rig the upcoming Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections would have political consequences for the federal government.

Addressing a public rally in Muzaffarabad, Bilawal urged the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) to ensure free and fair elections, saying that if the electoral process remained transparent, the federal government would have nothing to fear.

He said the PPP would safeguard its electoral mandate and stressed that the issues faced by Kashmiri refugees could only be addressed if their votes were respected.

Bilawal also called for greater representation of Kashmiris in institutions responsible for deciding the region's future and proposed the establishment of a truth commission to examine issues affecting Kashmir.

Referring to the electoral environment, Bilawal questioned why polling could not be held in Rawalakot and warned against creating conditions that could lead to protests in other parts of Azad Kashmir.

He maintained that elections should be decided through the ballot rather than violence and said the will of the voters must be respected.

The PPP chairman said Kashmiri refugees are an integral part of the party's history and movement. He highlighted the restoration of internet services in Mirpur and Muzaffarabad and pledged to extend similar access to Poonch.

Bilawal also welcomed the PML-N's promise to introduce public transport in Kashmir but criticised the party's development record, citing delays in infrastructure projects.

Bilawal further claimed that the PML-N had turned the AJK elections into a political test for its federal government.

He reiterated that transparent elections would prevent any political crisis but warned that if the PPP's mandate was "stolen," the party would strongly resist the outcome.

Commenting on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Bilawal urged the party to participate actively in the political process instead of pursuing what he described as a policy of boycotts. He encouraged PTI leaders to contest elections, engage in parliamentary politics, and work through democratic institutions.