Maryam Nawaz Accuses PPP Over AJK Election Rigging Claims

LAHORE: (Staff Reporter) – Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has rejected allegations of election rigging against the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections, claiming that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) was behind the controversy.

In a statement shared on social media, Maryam Nawaz accused the PPP of creating the situation while alleging irregularities, questioning the party’s claims of electoral manipulation.

Earlier, PPP Central Punjab General Secretary Hassan Murtaza, during a press conference in Lahore, alleged that the party faced rigging during the AJK elections. He claimed that the election code of conduct was repeatedly violated and accused the Election Commission of failing to act independently.

Without directly naming Maryam Nawaz, Hassan Murtaza criticized the PML-N leadership, saying that demands for political positions in Kashmir were only possible because of the PPP’s past contributions. He also expressed respect for Nawaz Sharif, stating that underestimating his political role would be a mistake.

The PPP leader further criticized the Punjab government over governance issues, including flooding, agricultural losses and urban infrastructure challenges. He alleged that thousands of acres of farmland were submerged and blamed administrative decisions for public difficulties.

Hassan Murtaza also raised concerns over rain-related problems in Lahore, wheat imports and taxation, saying that citizens expect better services in return for the taxes they pay.

Earlier, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had also raised allegations of rigging during the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections.