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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has strongly rejected allegations of election rigging in the ongoing Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) legislative assembly elections, maintaining that the electoral process has remained transparent and democratic despite criticism from opposition parties. The three-phase election, being held under heightened security arrangements, has become one of the most closely watched political contests in recent years. The process has been marked by the boycott of the polls by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), accusations of irregularities by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), and weeks of unrest linked to the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which has challenged the existing electoral structure, particularly the controversial refugee constituencies. Addressing a press conference after the completion of the second phase of polling, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah expressed confidence that the PML-N had already secured enough seats to form the next AJK government. He predicted the party would strengthen its position further after the remaining constituencies complete voting in the final phase. Sanaullah described the elections as free, fair and credible, crediting election officials, law enforcement agencies and the AJK administration for ensuring a peaceful voting process under difficult circumstances. He dismissed the PPP’s allegations of rigging, arguing that any complaints should be formally presented before the Election Commission, which has the constitutional authority to investigate and order re-polling wherever necessary. The senior PML-N leader also alleged that elements associated with the PPP and JAAC attempted to create unrest in Muzaffarabad before polling day to discourage voter turnout in areas considered favorable to his party. He said the PML-N would seek an official investigation into those incidents. The PPP, however, continues to challenge the credibility of the elections. Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has alleged widespread irregularities and insisted that several constituencies require independent investigations, claiming that the electoral process has not provided a level playing field for all contestants. One of the central issues surrounding the election remains the 12 refugee constituencies, which represent refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir residing in different parts of Pakistan. Critics argue that these seats allow Islamabad greater influence over government formation in AJK, while the government maintains they are constitutionally protected. Earlier this year, the AJK Supreme Court ruled that the constituencies cannot be abolished without a constitutional amendment. The political atmosphere has also been shaped by protests led by the Joint Awami Action Committee, which initially mobilized against rising electricity prices, taxation and the increasing cost of living before expanding its campaign to demand electoral reforms. Following weeks of demonstrations and clashes with security forces, the AJK government declared JAAC a banned organization under anti-terrorism laws. With unofficial results from the first two phases placing the PML-N in a leading position, attention has now shifted to the third and final phase of polling in Poonch Division, scheduled for August 10. The outcome will determine the composition of the next AJK government and conclude an election that has generated intense political debate across Pakistan.

PESHAWAR: Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Information Minister Shafi Jan has strongly criticised restrictions on meetings with former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan, saying the party will continue its legal, constitutional and political efforts to protect his health and fundamental rights. Speaking on Tuesday, Jan said the presence of a large number of PTI parliamentarians outside the Supreme Court reflected the party’s determination to ensure that Imran Khan receives proper medical care and access to his family and doctors. He described reports about the former prime minister’s health as deeply concerning and said denying him his constitutional and legal rights was unacceptable. Jan alleged that Imran Khan had been kept in detention through what the PTI considers politically motivated cases. The minister said PTI would not remain silent and would continue pressing for appropriate medical treatment, access to personal physicians and meetings with family members. He particularly criticised the reported denial of permission for Imran Khan’s sisters to meet him, calling the restrictions a violation of constitutional and legal rights as well as court directives. Jan said KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi had already warned that PTI lawmakers would gather outside Adiala Jail on Thursday if Imran Khan’s sisters were again prevented from meeting him. Meanwhile, speaking to a private television channel on Monday, Afridi said the party had been left with little choice but to protest after its concerns were allegedly ignored by authorities. He rejected accusations that PTI was deliberately promoting unrest, arguing that protests would not have been necessary if the party’s grievances had been addressed. Afridi claimed that Imran Khan was being held unlawfully and was being denied access to his family, lawyers and personal doctors. He said PTI had exhausted available constitutional and legal avenues and would therefore continue with peaceful demonstrations. The chief minister maintained that peaceful protest was a constitutional right and urged authorities to listen to the party’s concerns.