Bilawal blames PML-N for PPP worker’s death in N…
MUZAFFARABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has blamed Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supporters for the death of a PPP worker during clashes in Nikyal amid the ongoing Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections.
In a statement, Bilawal expressed condolences to the family of the deceased worker, Mukhtar Younus. He alleged that Younus was killed in firing allegedly carried out by supporters of PML-N candidate Sardar Umair Naeem.
Bilawal questioned the role of the relevant authorities and the Election Commission, asking where they were when tensions were reportedly escalating in the constituency.
He said a video allegedly showing firing had surfaced two days before the incident. According to Bilawal, timely action on the footage could have prevented the loss of a valuable human life.
Bilawal said Mukhtar Younus had been actively campaigning alongside PPP candidate Javed Iqbal Budhanvi. He alleged that political opponents had resorted to aggressive tactics after sensing the possibility of defeat.
The PPP chairman called for accountability and urged the authorities to ensure the safety of voters and political workers during the election process.
PPP Vice President Senator Sherry Rehman also strongly condemned the death of Mukhtar Younus and the reported injuries to two other party workers during polling in Nikyal.
Rehman described the incident as deeply disturbing. She alleged that a climate of fear had been created in the constituency by the PML-N candidate and claimed that authorities had failed to take action despite alleged incidents of violence in recent days.
She demanded that the Election Commission take immediate notice of the incident, arrest those responsible and conduct a transparent investigation.
Rehman also called for strict legal action against anyone found responsible. She stressed that the electoral process must remain peaceful, transparent and impartial.
The PPP leader said political differences must never be allowed to turn into violence. She called for equal and indiscriminate action against those involved in political violence.
Rehman also demanded immediate re-polling at several polling stations in LA-8 Kotli-I, Raj Mahal, citing alleged irregularities.
She alleged that a PPP polling agent was reportedly held hostage and said complaints had been received from polling stations 76, 77, 79 and 91 to 94.
She urged authorities to deploy additional police and security personnel in view of the growing crowds and law-and-order concerns.
Rehman called for an impartial investigation into all complaints and urged authorities to provide voters with a secure environment to exercise their right to vote freely.
She warned that public confidence in the election results could not be restored without ensuring a transparent electoral process.