The Bilawal AJK polls controversy has intensified after Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari criticised the recent Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections and claimed that the federal government’s “countdown has begun.” He made the remarks while rejecting the election results and alleging irregularities in the electoral process.
In a video message, Bilawal alleged that the AJK elections were not free and fair. He accused authorities of election manipulation and described the polls with strong criticism. However, these allegations have not been independently verified, while government representatives have presented a different view of the election outcome.
Bilawal praised PPP workers for winning nine seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly. He said the party would continue its political struggle over constituencies in Mirpur and Muzaffarabad, where he claimed PPP candidates were deprived of victories.
Addressing Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders, Bilawal said the federal government should listen to what he described as a warning sign for its political future. He called on PPP supporters to continue campaigning for upcoming electoral contests.
The PPP chairman also announced a public rally in Bagh district of Poonch Division on August 10. He urged party workers to remain active and said the party would not withdraw from the political field despite current challenges.
Bilawal’s statement came after Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said that the PML-N had secured a simple majority in the AJK Legislative Assembly. According to his statement, the party won 23 out of 45 seats, enabling it to form the next government.
The Bilawal AJK polls controversy reflects increasing political tensions between major parties following the AJK elections. While PPP leaders continue to raise allegations of electoral unfairness, the PML-N maintains that it achieved victory through the support of voters.
