Polling begins in PS-30 Khairpur by-election

MIRPUR, Azad Jammu and Kashmir: Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) President and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif announced a series of major development promises for Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) while addressing a large public gathering in Mirpur. He said the PML-N would focus on improving infrastructure, healthcare, education and public transport if it returned to power in the region. During his speech, Nawaz Sharif also made a light-hearted political remark directed at Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. He said Bilawal should not take his comments personally, adding that political rivalry should remain limited to healthy debate rather than conflict. Referring to the venue of the rally, he jokingly said Mirpur should not be confused with Kashmore or Mirpur Khas, stressing that it is Mirpur in Kashmir. The former prime minister said Kashmir has always held a special place in his heart and described Azad Kashmir as his “first home” rather than a second home. He said he shared a strong emotional bond with the people of the region and had always worked for their welfare during his time in office. Nawaz Sharif said Mirpur is one of the most beautiful cities in Azad Kashmir but added that its development had slowed after his government left power. He questioned what later governments had done for the people of Azad Kashmir and claimed that most major development projects in the region were initiated during the PML-N government. He said he had come to Mirpur with a clear development agenda and a comprehensive manifesto for Azad Kashmir. According to him, every major project completed in Pakistan and AJK carries the stamp of the PML-N’s performance and commitment. Speaking about future plans, Nawaz Sharif said education would remain the party’s highest priority. He stressed that young people must be provided with quality educational opportunities so they can contribute to the country’s progress. He also announced plans to strengthen the healthcare system in Azad Kashmir. He said more specialised hospitals for cancer treatment and heart diseases should be established to ensure patients receive advanced medical care without travelling to distant cities. Highlighting ongoing initiatives, Nawaz Sharif said Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had arranged to provide modern electric buses for the people of Azad Kashmir. He added that 10 mobile hospitals would also be sent to improve healthcare services, especially in remote and underserved areas. The former prime minister promised that if the PML-N formed the government in Azad Kashmir, it would launch large-scale infrastructure projects. These include the construction of new motorways and an expressway linking Murree with Muzaffarabad to improve regional connectivity, boost tourism and support economic growth. Nawaz Sharif also pledged to personally visit every part of Azad Kashmir if his party received the public’s mandate. He promised to expand natural gas facilities to homes across Mirpur, saying better public services were essential for improving the quality of life.

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has announced that it will challenge the results of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections through legal and constitutional forums, alleging widespread rigging, voter manipulation and administrative interference during the electoral process. Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, accompanied by senior PPP leader Chaudhry Yasin, accused the federal government, the AJK Election Commission and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) of working together to influence the election outcome. He claimed the electoral process was neither transparent nor impartial and alleged that several complaints submitted by the PPP were ignored by the election authorities. Memon said PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had repeatedly called for free, fair and transparent elections in AJK. He said Bilawal had urged all institutions to protect the democratic process and ensure that the interests of the Kashmiri people remained above political considerations. The PPP leader alleged that the AJK Election Commission failed to perform its constitutional responsibilities fairly. He claimed the commission did not take action on complaints submitted by the party during polling and questioned its impartiality throughout the election process. According to Memon, polling staff and election materials reached several polling stations late, affecting the voting process and creating unnecessary confusion among voters. He also questioned the postponement of polling in constituency LA-27, saying the decision was based on weather conditions despite what he described as clear circumstances. He further alleged that violence and intimidation were reported in several constituencies during polling. Referring to the killing of PPP worker Mukhtar Younis in LA-9 Nikyal, Memon claimed the incident reflected the deteriorating security situation on election day. He also alleged that attacks on PPP workers and political leaders were not properly investigated despite complaints to the relevant authorities. Memon accused authorities of failing to take action against those allegedly involved in election-related violence. He also claimed that PPP workers who reached certain polling stations after receiving reports of irregularities came under fire. The senior minister further alleged that ballot papers had reached some candidates before polling day and claimed there were serious violations during the voting process. He also alleged that voter turnout in one constituency exceeded 100 percent and called on the Election Commission to investigate the matter immediately. He said the PPP would continue to pursue all available legal and constitutional options to challenge the election results. The party, he added, would present evidence before the appropriate forums and seek action against those responsible for the alleged irregularities. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also criticised the conduct of the elections, saying the Election Commission had failed to address complaints raised after the first phase of polling. He maintained that the party reserved the right to demand re-elections in constituencies where it believed the electoral process had been compromised.