MIRPUR: In a direct response to recent remarks by PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari stated on Sunday that residents of both Kashmir and Kashmore are determined to protect their fundamental rights.
Bilawal’s comments come ahead of the first phase of elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), with voting scheduled for Monday in Mirpur. The political tension follows allegations from the PPP regarding potential pre-poll manipulation after the PML-N distributed ten electric buses to Muzaffarabad and Mirpur as “gifts.”
During a campaign rally in Mirpur on Friday, Nawaz Sharif addressed Bilawal, suggesting that political dynamics in Sindh, where the PPP has long held power, should not be equated to the situation in Kashmir.
In a social media statement tagging Nawaz Sharif’s X account, Bilawal responded, “Mian sahib, please don’t take offence.”
“Whether it is Kashmir or Kashmore, Mirpur or Mirpurkhas, not only do their names resemble each other, but their temperament and honor match as well, as does their courage to stand up for their rights,” Bilawal stated.
The PPP chairman continued, “Whether it is Kashmore or Kashmir, no one will allow themselves to be politically robbed of their right to governance and ownership. The people of these regions are not ready to bargain away their rights; they want to make their own decisions and will not surrender their future to any other province.”
Bilawal further claimed that, much like previous elections where the Muslim League faced setbacks in Sindh, the voters in Kashmir would deliver a similar verdict in the upcoming polls.
Regarding the imminent voting in Mirpur, Bilawal expressed confidence that the outcome would favor the PPP, predicting a decisive victory for the party in the region.
Bilawal also addressed the PML-N’s decision to distribute electric buses and mobile hospitals prior to the election. Commenting on the “gifts,” he noted, “You are being promised buses, hospitals, roads, and an airport. I welcome every bus, every hospital, every road, and every airport. But something built with public money is not a gift from any politician—it is the public’s right.”
He emphasized that the PPP has delivered tangible results through its budget, including 3,308 new teachers, a cardiac hospital, new road infrastructure, and IT centers. “I personally secured funding for Mirpur Airport in a previous federal budget. Even the stadium where our opponents hold their rallies was constructed during the PPP’s tenure,” he added.
The PPP chairman reiterated his commitment to ensuring the people of Kashmir have access to the same rights as all Pakistani citizens, including governance, ownership, and employment. “If they have those rights, they will not need such ‘gifts’ and will be able to manage their own development,” he said, urging supporters to vote in high numbers.
Mirpur Division Prepares for First Phase of Polling
Separately, AJK Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal urged voters in the Mirpur division to participate heavily in the first phase of general elections tomorrow. More than 1.4 million registered voters will choose representatives across 13 constituencies.
In a video address, the CEC confirmed that extensive security measures are in place, with law enforcement and Quick Response Force teams deployed to protect polling stations and voters.
Authorities warned that any attempt to disrupt the electoral process would result in legal consequences. According to the AJK Election Commission, the division contains 1,400,437 registered voters, including over 724,000 men and 675,000 women.
Polling will take place at 2,316 stations, with 1,241 classified as highly sensitive, 724 as sensitive, and 351 as normal. A total of 288 candidates are participating.
Election monitoring will span 13 zones and 205 sectors, supported by 18,560 personnel from the police and other agencies under a three-tier security framework. This includes the police for primary security, the Pakistan Rangers and Federal Constabulary for secondary support, and the Pakistan Army for tertiary security.
Approximately 2,100 army personnel will be deployed, with Quick Response Force teams on standby. Chief Secretary Khushal Khan and Election Commission Secretary Raja Muhammad Shakeel confirmed that all preparations are finalized, with polling materials already delivered to returning officers.
Addressing a press conference in Muzaffarabad, the Chief Secretary noted that campaigning is at its peak across the region. He warned that authorities are monitoring social media for misinformation and will take strict action against anyone attempting to disturb public order.
Officials maintained that state institutions are prepared to ensure a transparent and peaceful election. Secretary Shakeel dismissed a viral video calling for a boycott as old and misleading, noting that campaigning has proceeded peacefully. He added that the public’s confidence is reflected by the number of complaints filed against those attempting to obstruct the process.
Additionally, the Election Commission has permitted registered political parties and candidates to use automated robocalls for campaigning, provided these messages cease 48 hours before polling begins.
