Sherjeel Memon alleges pre-poll rigging ahead of A…
MIRPUR, July 26: Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has accused political opponents of attempting to influence the Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections before polling.
Speaking to journalists in Mirpur, Memon alleged that buses worth Rs200 million were sent to the region a day before polling as part of an attempt to influence voters.
He claimed that the move was aimed at creating an impression among voters and affecting their electoral choices.
Memon also criticised the Election Commission of AJK. He alleged that the commission had failed to take timely action against what he described as pre-poll rigging.
He said the PPP would oppose any attempt to manipulate the election process.
The provincial minister also criticised the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz. He accused the party of ignoring what he described as unconstitutional and unethical actions.
Memon said the final decision in the AJK elections would be made by the people of Kashmir.
He urged federal ministers to focus on their official responsibilities. He also called on them to stay away from activities that could interfere with the electoral process.
The Sindh minister alleged that attempts were being made to influence voters through buses and trucks before polling.
He questioned whether the people of Kashmir could be persuaded through material incentives.
Memon said the people of Mirpur were politically aware. He expressed confidence that voters would not be influenced by such offers.
He said PPP leaders had reached Mirpur to monitor the election situation. According to him, the party wanted to prevent alleged attempts to manipulate the electoral process.
Memon also called on the Election Commission to examine the activities of federal ministers during the election campaign.
He questioned why action had not been taken over alleged violations of the election code of conduct.
The minister specifically asked why federal ministers involved in election campaigning had not faced action.
Memon also highlighted the PPP’s position on the Kashmir issue. He said the party had consistently raised the issue at international forums.
He praised PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for presenting the Kashmir issue before the international community.
Memon said he expected voters to support the PPP in the elections. He claimed that voters would reject what he described as smaller political parties.
The minister further said Kashmiri voters could not be bought through financial or material incentives.
He said people in Kashmir would reject attempts to influence their decisions through such tactics.
Memon also questioned why action had not been taken against Defence Minister Khawaja Asif over alleged election-related violations.
His comments came a day before the first phase of the AJK general elections. The polling process is set to begin on July 27 in the Mirpur division.
The election campaign has intensified ahead of polling. Political parties are making competing claims about the electoral process, while authorities have warned against actions that could disrupt peaceful and transparent elections.
