By Our Correspondent
MUZAFFARABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Tuesday called for an independent inquiry into alleged irregularities and violence during the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections, arguing that the credibility of the democratic process must be protected.
Addressing a PPP workers’ convention in Muzaffarabad, Bilawal said the party would continue to defend what it described as the public mandate in the recently held first phase of the AJK elections.
According to unofficial and provisional results, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) secured nine of the 13 constituencies contested in the Mirpur division, while the PPP won four seats.
Bilawal questioned the conduct of the electoral process, alleging that incidents at numerous polling stations had affected the integrity of voting. He claimed attacks occurred at around 30 polling stations despite security arrangements and said the allegations warranted a transparent investigation.
Without presenting evidence during his speech, the PPP chairman alleged that the phased election schedule had created opportunities for manipulation and urged state institutions to ensure that future polling remained impartial and credible.
He also questioned the defeat of senior PPP leader Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin in one of the constituencies, saying the outcome was inconsistent with the party’s expectations and local political support.
Bilawal urged authorities to establish an independent inquiry commission to examine complaints related to polling-day incidents and determine whether any electoral rules had been violated.
He further stressed that Azad Kashmir’s democratic institutions should remain strong and said any controversy surrounding elections could undermine public trust if left unresolved.
The PPP chairman also criticised internet restrictions during the election period, saying uninterrupted communication was important for maintaining transparency and public confidence.
Referring to previous political unrest in Azad Kashmir, Bilawal said disputes should be addressed through dialogue, constitutional mechanisms and democratic institutions rather than confrontation.
He called on voters to continue participating in the democratic process regardless of political affiliation and urged PPP workers to remain peaceful while preparing for the next phase of elections scheduled in Muzaffarabad on August 2.
Bilawal maintained that his party would pursue its concerns through constitutional and legal channels, while reaffirming its demand for free, fair and transparent elections.
