ISLAMABAD – The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is poised to secure a commanding two-thirds majority in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) legislative assembly, a senior party leader declared on Wednesday, while issuing a stark warning that those attempting to derail the electoral process will face the full force of the law.
Rana Sanaullah, the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs, dismissed swirling allegations of vote rigging as a desperate attempt by opponents to mask an impending defeat. Speaking at a press conference alongside Federal Minister Engineer Amir Muqam, he insisted the third phase of polling in the Bagh and Haveli districts was proceeding peacefully despite isolated disruptions.
Rigging Allegations Rejected as a ‘Scripted’ Narrative
Sanaullah launched a scathing rebuttal against the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), which has vocally criticized the phased election format as a prelude to manipulation. He argued that the PPP had previously agreed to the staggered polling schedule, a demand he claims was formally accepted by the AJK Election Commission.
“They are trying to turn a clear defeat into victory through a pre-planned drama of rigging allegations,” Sanaullah stated. “The PPP has failed to produce a shred of evidence for their claims today, just as they have failed in the past.” He further questioned the PPP’s standing to object, noting the party did not hold a single public meeting or rally on any seat in Punjab.
Amir Muqam sharpened the attack, accusing political rivals of preparing a “script” overnight to discredit the vote. “They began issuing statements from 9 a.m. this morning. If they are so confident in their popularity, they should assess the massive public participation in PML-N rallies against their own empty claims,” Muqam challenged.
Warning to Protesters and Armed Elements
Addressing ongoing sit-ins and protests that have flared during the multi-phase election, Sanaullah took a hard line. He claimed demonstrators had failed to halt the democratic process and urged them to surrender to authorities. In a particularly pointed threat, he warned that individuals who had taken up arms and were “playing into the hands of the enemy” would be subject to legal prosecution.
While maintaining a tough stance on law and order, Sanaullah left a narrow window for reconciliation, stating that an elected government would be willing to “reconsider legitimate demands.” However, he drew a firm line against those he accused of misleading the Kashmiri public.
The adviser also addressed a fatality reported during the electoral period, clarifying that a party member had died due to a pre-existing heart condition, not from election-related violence.
Call for Political Generosity
Drawing a parallel to past elections in Gilgit-Baltistan, Sanaullah expressed hope that the PPP leadership would abandon what he termed a “countdown” narrative and instead congratulate the PML-N on its victory. He framed the party’s impending win as a validation of its political strategy and public support.
Amir Muqam echoed this sentiment, asking opponents to reflect on why voters had seemingly rejected them at the ballot box. He also dismissed claims that security personnel and civilians were transported from Punjab for nefarious purposes, retorting sarcastically, “Did people not also arrive from Sindh?”
With the final phase of polling underway, the PML-N leadership projected absolute confidence that the democratic exercise would conclude with their party firmly in control of the AJK government, setting the stage for a potential political showdown with detractors who refuse to accept the results.
