Bilawal Bhutto Calls for Free and Fair Elections in AJK, Says System Has Failed

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has called for free and fair elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), saying the current situation shows that the system has failed.

Speaking about the AJK elections, Bilawal said the crisis was the biggest example of the system’s failure. He said, “I promise the people of Azad Kashmir that I will get the stolen seats back,” adding that every problem has a solution.

Bilawal said the PPP wanted peace to return to Azad Kashmir so people could live normal lives again. He claimed the government was not willing to hold transparent elections or set up a commission to investigate the situation.

He alleged that the ruling party had already claimed victory before the elections and later “stole the elections” in Mirpur and Muzaffarabad. He said 11 seats were still to be decided and warned that the PML-N would “find out what happens next”.

Bilawal also claimed that the president of Azad Kashmir and an elected member of the National Assembly were attacked in Muzaffarabad. He said the PPP had always stood with the people and would continue to support them.

“The people of Kashmir will decide Kashmir’s future,” Bilawal said. He added that the PPP would not accept elections affected by rigging and would continue to contest elections according to its manifesto.

Calls for Political Unity

Bilawal urged the government and political parties to avoid confrontation and work together. He said the country needs unity and consensus instead of political conflict.

“This is not the time to fight among ourselves; there is a need for unity and consensus,” he said.

He also claimed that some people within the PML-N were trying to create differences between the prime minister and his allies. However, he said the PPP had no complaint against the prime minister.

Supports New Provinces

Bilawal said the PPP supports the creation of new provinces wherever there is public demand.

He said there is already consensus in Punjab and the Senate on the issue and added that new provinces should be created where people support the idea.

Urges Dialogue

Bilawal said all political and national issues could be resolved through dialogue.

“All problems can be resolved through dialogue,” he said.

He also questioned the continued suspension of internet services, saying it was unusual for the internet to remain shut down for 50 days.

Bilawal said the PPP would continue to stand with the people and fight for their rights. He added that the people of Azad Kashmir should receive their rights to ownership and employment.

He also welcomed a unanimous resolution passed by the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly seeking constitutional rights and said the rights of the people should be respected.