KARACHI/ISLAMABAD - Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Monday alleged the recent Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections were rigged and warned that the federal government’s countdown has begun after his party lost ground in the polls.

Bilawal’s party is coalition partner with the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s (PML-N) party in the centre. Bilawal repeatedly alleged that the polls in AJK were rigged.

“To my friends in the PML-N, can you hear that sound?” The countdown for the federal government has begun,” the PPP chairman said in a video message.

PML-N strengthens position in AJK as PPP and PML-N split Bagh seats

Announcing a public gathering in Bagh district, Bilawal urged supporters in Poonch to prepare for the rally on August 10, saying: “Poonch, I am coming. Get ready.”

Describing the polls as “neither free nor fair”, Bilawal alleged they were “rigged elections”, “bullet elections”, “murderous elections” and “bloody elections”.

Despite the outcome, he congratulated party workers, saying the PPP had secured victory in nine electoral seats. “You have won nine seats for the Pakistan Peoples Party despite all this,” he said.

Riyadh Air’s first flight arrives in Pakistan, strengthening Saudi-Pakistan connectivity

Bilawal also vowed to reclaim what he described as seats “stolen” in Mirpur and Muzaffarabad, adding that the PPP would continue its struggle. Earlier, PPP leader and Senior Provincial Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon stated that there was clear collusion between the federal government, the Punjab government, and the Election Commission to defeat PPP candidates in the Azad Kashmir elections, which was also observed at the international level.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, he said Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had already informed the federal government that the Azad Kashmir elections were of special importance to the PPP in the current political situation. He made it clear that the collective interest of the people of Kashmir should be prioritised over the political interests of the PML-N. However, during the elections, PML-N’s interests were prioritised while ignoring this principle.

PM saddened by loss of lives caused by earthquake in Indonesia

The minister said the federal government was formed in 2024 on the basis of Form 47, while in Azad Kashmir the government has now been formed through “Form 47 Plus.” He said the PML-N, while maintaining its traditional political approach, has set another new example this time. He noted the federal ministers’ press conference had no element of remorse or accountability. The arrogant attitude of federal ministers was evident and cannot last. The facts are before the public and everyone knows how the Azad Kashmir elections were conducted.

Sharjeel Inam Memon said the electoral process was made a mockery in the Muzaffarabad Division. He said polling in LA-27 was postponed citing bad weather, while the weather was clear there.

IEEE Lahore Section hosts Professional Meetup 2026 at UMT

He termed Rana Sanaullah’s reaction as frivolous, saying he was making fun of the incident. His attitude reflected the same arrogance seen during the peak days of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf back in 2018.

He also asked Rana Sanaullah why he was continuously meeting with key officials of the administration during the election days. What was the purpose of these meetings and were they related to interference in the electoral process?

He alleged that the PML-N not only ignored but openly violated the collective mandate of the PPP and the people of Azad Kashmir.

Spanish envoy highlights scope for expanding trade ties

He said after the results of the 2024 general elections, it became clear to us that this was a “Form 47” government. That is why the PPP decided not to be part of this government.

He clarified that the PPP did not do politics of positions while in power. Whatever positions the party holds are entirely constitutional and do not carry any administrative or executive powers.

He said the future course of action will be decided by the party leadership.

He further said the current government has the required majority in the House. If they do not need us, then PTI also had the numbers in the past. The PPP is in a position to state whether the government needs the PPP or not.

He also expressed the view that the “countdown” of the current federal government has begun. According to him, due to public distrust, questions are being raised on the electoral process, and administrative failures, this government will not be able to last long.