Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has responded to Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s criticism of the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections.
In a video statement issued on Tuesday, Maryam Nawaz urged the PPP leadership to accept the election outcome instead of raising allegations of rigging.
Her remarks came shortly after Bilawal questioned the conduct of the AJK elections during a public gathering in Muzaffarabad.
Maryam Nawaz Rejects PPP’s Allegations
Responding to Bilawal’s criticism, Maryam Nawaz said the PPP should respect the election results.
She stated, “Crying will not help. The PPP should have accepted its defeat [in AJK polls] with an open heart.”
The Punjab chief minister also advised the PPP to focus on governance rather than making allegations about the electoral process.
According to her, political parties should accept the public mandate and move forward through democratic means.
Bilawal Questions Conduct of AJK Elections
Earlier in the day, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari criticised the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and questioned the conduct of the first phase of the AJK elections.
Addressing a workers’ convention in Muzaffarabad, he said the state must decide whether national interest or the interests of the PML-N were more important.
Bilawal also questioned whether the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir could be described as democracy.
He maintained that PPP candidates had secured majority public support based on the votes and expectations of the people.
PML-N Secures Majority in First Phase
According to unofficial and provisional results, the PML-N emerged as the leading party in the first phase of the AJK Legislative Assembly elections.
The party won nine of the 13 constituencies contested during the first phase across the Mirpur division.
Meanwhile, the PPP secured victory in four constituencies.
The results gave the PML-N a clear lead in the opening phase of the electoral process.
Political Debate Continues After Initial Results
The first phase of the AJK elections has triggered sharp political reactions from the country’s major parties.
While the PML-N celebrated its performance, the PPP continued to question the electoral process.
However, Maryam Nawaz insisted that political parties should accept the outcome with maturity and continue working within the democratic framework.
The remaining phases of the AJK Legislative Assembly elections are expected to continue in the coming days as the electoral process moves forward.
