Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari Warns That a Stolen AJK Election Would Trigger a Countdown for the Federal Government

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari warned on Thursday that a manipulated election in Azad Jammu and Kashmir would trigger a countdown for the federal government.

Elections in AJK are being conducted in three phases due to security concerns, beginning with Mirpur division on Monday. The process was marked by scuffles, violence, and allegations of rigging, as the PML‑N and PPP traded accusations of electoral malpractice.

Bilawal said at a Muzaffarabad rally on Thursday, ahead of the August 2 elections, that the PML‑N’s belief that a defeat in AJK would signal a countdown for its government is a misconception.

He warned that any theft of the election would initiate a countdown for the federal government, adding, “If you steal my mandate, I will come for your throne.”

He noted that the PPP’s senior members have previously challenged leaders such as General Ziaul Haq and Pervez Musharraf and are skilled at confronting powerful adversaries.

He urged the PTI, which has rejected the AJK elections citing alleged rigging, to engage in genuine politics and abandon a boycott approach.

He told PTI supporters that boycotting elections, parliament, committees, work, or struggle is pointless, urging them to contest the elections and act as a legitimate political party.

He extended his hand to PTI workers and serious politicians, inviting any party weary of rigging and any activist seeking independent decision‑making to join forces with him.

He expressed hope that collective action could drive parliamentary reforms, ensure fair elections in Kashmir and across Pakistan, and stated his willingness to collaborate with all parties on this agenda.

He added that the only effective way to prevent rigging is massive voter turnout, which would render a fraudulent vote injection ineffective, and called on PPP supporters to ensure high participation in the second election phase on August 2.

Speaking at the rally, he welcomed the PML‑N’s pledge to provide buses to Kashmir but cautioned that bringing the Lahore‑style spectacle to Muzaffarabad would raise questions about its relevance.

He referenced the unfinished CMH flyover project in AJK, noting it remained incomplete after five years, while the PPP had built all three medical colleges in the region and established several universities.

He said he does not wish to turn Kashmir into Punjab or Sindh, but aims to make it a strong, independent Kashmir, free from external domination.

He stated that the first priority for the elected government would be to alleviate the hardships faced by AJK residents, such as restoring roads, delivering essential supplies, and reinstating internet and banking services, emphasizing the PPP’s goal to provide fast, modern internet connectivity.

He reiterated his commitment to Kashmiri self‑determination, including decisions on their future, votes, resources, and employment opportunities for youth.

He reaffirmed his intention to deliver sovereignty, ownership, and employment to AJK residents, insisting that bodies making decisions on water, electricity, economy, budget and the region’s future must grant Kashmir proper representation and a distinct voice.

He asserted that election outcomes should be decided by ballots, not violence, and that votes must be counted during the election, not after the fact.

Recalling Benazir Bhutto’s grant of observer status to Kashmiris at the OIC, he pledged to extend similar observer status to Kashmiris in the National Finance Commission, the Council of Common Interests, the National Assembly, and the Senate.

He also affirmed his intention to grant refugees the same sovereignty and ownership, describing them as integral to Pakistan’s existence, history and movement, and urged protection of their proportional representation in the AJK Assembly.

He emphasized that Kashmiri citizens are the true owners of the region’s natural resources, urging protection of rivers and the environment, a fair financial share for resource use, and that job opportunities generated by regional projects should prioritize local youth.

The PPP chairman noted that the party had submitted evidence of winning 90‑100 % of votes in Mirpur to the AJK Election Commission, expressing regret that a notification was issued instead.

He questioned the election commissioner, asking whether they represent the PML‑N or the AJK state, stating that a notification cannot conceal theft or prevent justice, and demanded that, before August 2, public hearings on complaints from the first election phase be held, with polling station results and ballot counts made public.

He emphasized, “If it is not theft, then what are you hiding?” urging the commission to restore its credibility.

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