PTI all set to form the next government in AJK after winning 26 seats

[MenInG]

The residents of Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) have gone to the polls today to elect new members of the region's Legislative Assembly.

AJK has a total of 32,50,117 registered voters, including 17,8,800 male and 14,68,317 female.

There are 33 electoral constituencies in the ten districts of AJK. While 12 constituencies are reserved for Pakistan-based Jammu & Kashmir refugees. Polling booths in all the provinces have been set up for the refugees.

Over 2.8 million voters have been registered in 33 AJK constituencies and 0.4 million in 12 Jammu Kashmir refugees based in various parts of Pakistan.

A total of 691 candidates, including 381 belonging to a total of 32 registered political parties and a total of 310 independent candidates, are in the run to win the election for 45 seats.

The elections are being held under the supervision of AJK Judiciary, Pakistan Army and Rangers with the coordination of the local civil law enforcement institutions.

9:00am — AJK CEC predicts 56% voter turnout
Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) retired Justice Abdul Rashid Sulehria has predicted that the voter turnout for today’s polls will be around 56%.

Addressing a press conference, the AJK CEC said that his institution has directed the presiding officers to announce the results at once. He also added that they have been directed to provide a copy of the results to the polling agents.

8am — Polling underway for 45 assembly seats
Polling stations have been opened across AJK and Pakistan for the voters to take part in today's elections.

 

[MenInG]

AZAD KASHMIR:
Polling for 45 general seats got underway in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on Sunday morning as the clock struck 8 and as political parties' volunteers got down to setting up camps near polling stations.

However, reports of violent brawls ensued a little over an hour since the polling process began, as is, unfortunately, the general case in Pakistan's elections.

‘One killed in clashes’

According to Express News, at least one person was reported to have been killed in clashes between political workers during the polls.

According to reports, a verbal clash broke out between the workers of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) at the polling station of Kotli’s LA-12 constituency.

During the brawl, one of the workers opened fire that resulted in the death of an activist. The clashes are reported to have taken place at several areas of the region.

An incident of firing in Hari Ghel area during AJK election captured on video.

The workers of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and PPP also came face-to-face at the Jaskol polling station of Hatiyan Bala. Activists of one of the political parties attempted to shut down polling.

Election was also stopped for a brief period after a brawl at the Kopar Agli polling station, LA-27 constituency after a brawl between two political groups.

Similarly, polling was halted at the polling station in the LA-45 constituency set up for the AJK legislative assembly following some unrest.

The police subsequently arrested two workers of the PTI and six other workers of an independent candidate. The polling resumed after peace was restored at the polling station.

Soon after the news of clashes broke out, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz spokesperson Marriyum Aurganzeb took to Twitter to express reservations against the 'transparency' of the polling process.

The PML-N leader stated that, "Transparency and impartiality becoming increasingly questionable in the AJK elections. Stopping our polling agents from entering the polling stations a violation of election laws."

She further condemned the "transportation of polling materials in Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's vehicles", as well as incidents of firing and interruption in the polling process.

Also taking to Twitter, Minister for Information Fawad Chaudhry stated that elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir strengthened the aspirations of the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

"One day, people in all of Kashmir will be able to express their right to vote with such freedom and form a government based on their representatives," the minister stated.

Fawad added that, "Today's election will, hopefully, be a testament of [Prime Minister] Imran Khan's new Kashmir."

The heated canvassing in the closely watched AJK election campaign wrapped up on Friday.

Deemed as the consequential moment for the state, the polling is taking place amid ramped-up security.

More than 700 candidates from 32 political and religious parties are contesting for the 45 general seats.

Out of the rest eight reserved seats, five are for women and three seats, one each for religious scholars, technocrats, and overseas Kashmiris. The members for these seats are nominated after the elections.

Of the 45 general seats, 12 seats are reserved for Kashmiri refugees who had migrated from the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in 1947 and 1965 and are settled in various parts of Pakistan.

Therefore, in the 10 districts of AJK, elections will take place on 33 seats only.

In view of the apprehensions expressed by political parties, the polling process is taking place amid strict security measures.

Nearly 40,000 security personnel have been entrusted with the task to guard 5,123 polling stations, of which 1,209 have been declared “sensitive” while 826 stations “most sensitive”.

Accordingly, the AJK government has also granted magisterial powers to 250 officers apart from regular magistrates and presiding officers in a bid to maintain law and order during the polling day.

All major political parties are contesting. However, the fight is triangular as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN), and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) are the strongest parties followed by All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference (AJKMC) and Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Party (JKP

 

[MenInG]

At least two PTI workers were killed in a clash with PPP activists at a polling station in the Kotli district of Azad Jammu and Kashmir as polling for 45 seats of the AJK Legislative Assembly started on Sunday.

The two PTI activists were shot dead by unidentified persons at a polling station in the jurisdiction of Naarr police station in Charhoi, Kotli, according to police.

Muhammad Shabbir, an official at Naarr police station, identified the victims as 40-year-old Zaheer Ahmed and 50-year-old Ramzan. He added that the clash erupted between PPP and PTI workers at about 9:15am at the Mithi Jand polling station. In the ensuing gunfire, Ahmed was killed on the spot and Ramzan died on the way to the hospital.

In a separate incident, five police constables were injured after Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) activists attacked them with batons at the Dhal Chakhya polling station in AJK's LA-32 constituency, Jhelum valley district SP Riaz Mughal said.

Meanwhile, the PPP has complained to the AJK Election Commission, alleging that PTI workers were using force to influence the voting process.

In a letter addressed to the AJK Election Commission's secretary, PPP's Central Election Cell incharge Taj Haider said that the chief polling agent for the LA-30 constituency was arrested "immediately after the start of polling in order to influence the election of our candidate".

The chief polling officer's house was also attacked three days ago, Haider said, asking the commission to order the officer's immediate release.

In a separate letter, Haider complained that PTI workers had "captured" the Mandol Bazaar polling station in the LA-18 constituency and "ballot papers were being stamped by them."

In a third such letter, Haider said PTI workers "with the support of the administration are stopping PPP voters from casting votes" at the polling station located in 84 Middle School in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Katiala for the LA-6 constituency.

Voting in some polling stations of other constituencies was also temporarily suspended due to incidents of violence. Several people were reportedly injured in clashes and a number of political activists were also detained by the police, according to reports.

The elections come after weeks of a highly charged and divisive election campaign that saw politicians from the three mainstream parties — the PTI, PPP and PML-N hurl allegations at each other.

The polling started at 8am and will go on until 5pm without any break, according to a report by Radio Pakistan.

Media persons were initially not allowed to report from outside the polling stations but the issue was later resolved on the directions of the AJK Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) retired Justice Abdul Rashid Sulehria.

Officials said they expect up to 60 per cent voter turnout because all political parties were heavily involved in the buildup to the election.

Aggressive campaigns
In all, there are 3.22 million voters registered in the 45 constituencies. Among them, 2,817,090 voters are registered in 33 constituencies of the AJK assembly. Of the remaining voters, 373,652 are registered in the six constituencies representing the refugees from occupied Jammu and 29,804 are registered in the six constituencies representing the refugees from occupied Kashmir Valley. These 12 constituencies representing refugees from occupied Jammu and Kashmir Valley have a total of 403,456 registered voters.

Previously, general elections in AJK had predominantly been a contest between the local leaders of the contesting parties, with a low-profile support from their parent parties or like-minded governments in Pakistan.

However, of late these elections have become a do-or-die battle directly between the central leadership of the mainstream parties, relegating their local leadership as well as a few state-based parties to the background.

This year the pre-poll campaign has surpassed the previous records of aggressiveness towards their rivals.

From June 25 when PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari took the lead over the opponents in launching the campaign of his party from Dadyal, followed by PML-N vice president Maryam Nawaz and federal ministers Ali Amin Gandapur, Murad Saeed and PM Khan, to July 23 when the campaign ended at midnight, the electorate in AJK heard nothing but allegations, counter-allegations and usual mudslinging in rallies.

"They spewed venom at each other during their speeches ... There was much empty rhetoric on Kashmir but no word on the myriad of issues faced by the people in Azad Jammu and Kashmir as well as their likely solutions," commented Abdul Hakim Kashmiri, a political analyst based in Muzaffarabad.

Voters queue up at Muzaffarabad's Saheli Sarkar school polling station on Sunday. — Photo by Tariq Naqash
The Election Commission has asserted that watertight security and other measures taken by it leave no room for rigging.

Farhat Ali Mir, one of the two constitutional members of the commission, told reporters on Saturday that the presiding officers were under an obligation to provide duly signed results of their stations to the agents of all contesting candidates, immediately after the counting, thus eliminating chances of results manipulation.

By Saturday evening, polling material had been dispatched to all respective stations — 5,129 in total, of which 826 had been declared the 'most sensitive' and 1,209 as 'sensitive' stations.

Results at the polling stations will be announced within an hour after the polling ends, according to the commission officials.

Dawn

 

[MenInG]

Opposition parties on Sunday slammed the PTI-led government for "rigging" in the ongoing Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections.

At least two people were killed due to clashes between political parties in Kotli, while two others who were injured are being treated at a hospital, police said before the polling ended at 5pm.

Senator Sherry Rehman, PPP's vice-president, blamed the Centre for "systematic rigging" and said it was attempting to "steal" the elections.

The PPP leader alleged PTI workers had fired on a PPP worker's car during polling time, while police had uprooted a camp belonging to her party.

"There is a clear difference between the voter lists of several polling stations [...] PPP has submitted a written complaint to the AJK Election Commission," she said.

Meanwhile, PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb, in a statement, claimed PTI "goons" had attacked her party's workers in Gujranwala's Alipur Chatha area to "rig" the election.

Aurangzeb said despite PTI workers beating up her party workers, the police "arrested those associated with PML-N". "PTI has been allowed to engage in hooliganism with complete liberty," she said.

The spokesperson alleged AJK Election Commission officials refused to accept PML-N's written complaints, saying they would accept them after permission from the chief election commissioner.

"Complaints of violence and rigging do not meet the criteria for a transparent election," she added.

Aurangzeb had earlier drawn attention to what she had termed as "irregularities" being reported from various constituencies.

"Complaints of polling agents being prevented from entering polling stations and closure of polling are increasing," she said in a statement.

She claimed that polling has been stalled for two hours at Girls Primary School Kangarhariwala, Union Council Komi Kot.

"Women voters are being treated insultingly," she added and claimed that there are reports of votes being stamped inside the polling station with the help of staff.

No polling agent was allowed to enter LA-32 Chakar, LA-33 Goharabad except that of PTI, she further claimed.

"The tactics of 2018 and Daska elections are being repeated openly," Marriyum said, adding: "If any untoward situation arises then Imran sahib will be responsible," she said.

GEO

 

[MenInG]

Results in the hotly-contested election to the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly have starting rolling in, with PTI already having bagged two victories, according to unofficial, preliminary results.

PPP and PML-N have secured one seat each.

A breakdown of the latest party positions across the 45 constituencies is given below:

 

[MenInG]

GUJRANWALA: PML-N candidate for the Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections from LA-35 Jammu-2, Choudhary Muhammad Ismail Gujjar, said Sunday he would "seek India's help" if the local administration does not cooperate with him.

The PML-N leader was speaking to the media in Gujranwala near a polling station set up in Government High School No 2, where the deputy commissioner had allegedly kicked out PML-N and All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference's polling agents.

Following their exit from the polling station, the agents reportedly got into a heated argument with the deputy commissioner after which the polling process was halted there.

Gujjar said his election camp was "dismantled" despite the presence of police personnel.

He warned his party would "also cause problems" if the polling process did not continue peacefully.

"The deputy commissioner had asked my polling agents to leave and threatened them," the PML-N candidate said.

He asked the government to take action, otherwise unrest will ensue "and people will die".

Issuing a clarification later on Geo News, he said his statement was directed towards the administration. "India kills Kashmiris in [occupied Kashmir] and over here, these people are taking down our camps."

The polling time for residents of AJK looking to cast their vote to elect new members to the region's Legislative Assembly ended at 5pm and counting is currently underway.

GEO

 

[MenInG]

Results in the hotly-contested election to the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly are mostly in, with the PTI having bagged 25 seats, according to the unofficial, preliminary count.

The PPP has obtained 11, while the PML-N has secured six seats.

Both the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Party (JKPP) and the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference (AJKMC) have secured one seat each.

 

[saeedhk]

PTI has surprised everyone! I thought PTI would struggle because their performance has been very poor since they came to power. Good to see PML-N being annihilated.

 

[MenInG]

LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz president Shehbaz Sharif has alleged that election code was violated and rules of transparency and impartiality were ridiculed in the elections for Azad Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Sunday.

“The people will remember the way the election code was violated and transparency and impartiality were made irrelevant throughout the day,” he said in a statement after the election process was over.

Lauding the spirit of the party workers in the elections, he said the people in general and the workers in particular showed great courage and perseverance in spite of all difficulties.

“The spirit, enthusiasm and courage shown by the people and the workers throughout the day is commendable,” he said, adding “seeing your enthusiasm, there is no doubt that victory will be for the lion, God willing.”

He expressed his concerns at the deaths of innocent workers in a clash during AJK polls and offered his condolences to the families of the party workers who were killed in the election-related dispute.

Mr Sharif, who is also opposition leader in the National Assembly, has also expressed his grief and sorrow at themartyrdom of four Pakistan Army Quick Response Force personnel whose vehicle fell into a ravine at Lasva in Neelam valley in the AJK.

He prayed that Allah Almighty may elevate the ranks of the martyrs and grant patience to their families as well as speedily recover the three injured jawans and their jeep driver.

Published in Dawn, July 26th, 2021

 

[WhenSultansBowled]

PTI has surprised everyone! I thought PTI would struggle because their performance has been very poor since they came to power. Good to see PML-N being annihilated.

Previous governments and dictator dug a massive hole for IK to fill. So taking that into account PTI are not doing bad at all.

Of course, there is corruption in PTI but it is minuscule in comparison to thieves.

 

[MenInG]

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry has said that India is “very upset” over “victory” of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by Prime Minister Imran Khan, in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections.

The minister while speaking to media in Punjab’s Pind Dadan Khan on Sunday said Kashmiris have overwhelmingly voted in favour of PTI candidates and “with the grace of Allah it will form the government” in the region.

Fawad said that Indian media had campaigned against PTI during AJK electioneering, adding that formation of PTI government in the region would come as a great shock to India.

He also thanked the people for voting for the PTI candidate in the constituency and added that Pind Dadan Khan is stronghold of the ruling party.

Congratulating the people of Kashmir, the minister said that free and fair election process within Pakistan gave hope to the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) that the time is not far away when they would also cast their votes in transparent polls.

Fawad said that the election process in Pakistan and AJK remained largely peaceful.

The minister expressed regret over the killing of two PTI workers during AJK polls, saying that PPP workers had attacked the party activists at several places.

Fawad said that the turnout of more than 50 per cent was a positive development.

 

[Bewal Express]

This isn't just a defeat for the mafia, this is a total humiliation. There isn't a card they didn't play but all failed. From anti semitic to we are Kashmiris, the Sharifs tried everything card but failed

 

[Manunited18]

What a kick in the teeth for the Nay sayers. I guess the likes of Mamoon and a few others will do a disappearing act on here for a few days.

 

[Bewal Express]

A distant uncle lives in Mirpur and he is a hard core Noora. I am tempted to give him a ring.

 

[OMB]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I want to thank the ppl of AJK for placing their trust in PTI through their votes which resulted in PTI's electoral victory. We will focus on bringing the ppl out of poverty through our Ehsaas & Kamyab Pakistan progs; & establish accountability & transparency in govt.</p>— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1419634597927735299?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I want to congratulate all our successful candidates. As ambassador for Kashmir I will continue to raise my voice on all international forums incl UN to ensure the int community fulfills its commitment of self determination to the Kashmiri ppl through a UN-sponsored plebiscite.</p>— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1419634600767332352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Firebat]

Fawad asks Bilawal, Maryam to step down after ‘historic defeat’ in AJK polls

Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry has urged top PPP and PML-N leaders to resign from their posts after “historic defeat” in the Sunday’s Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections.

“High turnout of above 52% suggests that people have confidence in the electoral process and system of the country,” Fawad said while addressing a press conference with Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs Ali Ameen Gandapur in Islamabad on Monday.

Fawad said both PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and PML-N Vice-President Maryam Nawaz should accept the responsibility of their parties' defeat in the poll and step down from their posts.

“They both should resign from their posts voluntarily if they have any ‘political shame’ and give chance to new political leadership to emerge within the party,” the minister said.

He also said instead of hiding behind the narrative of rigging, both the leaders should stand aside from their party positions.

“I want to congratulate the people of AJK that by giving huge mandate to the PTI they have strengthened the freedom movement of people in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK),” he added.

Fawad said former premier Nawaz Sharif’s meeting with Afghan National Security Adviser (NSA) Hamdullah Mohib in London ahead of the AJK elections further damaged the party’s position in the region.

Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) emerged as the single-largest party after clinching at least 25 out of 45 seats in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections, according to the unofficial results.

The PPP came in second with 11 seats while the PML-N bagged six seats.

According to the unofficial results, the turnout was recorded at around 62 per cent. More than 700 candidates from 32 political and religious parties contested for the 45 general seats.

The Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Party (JKPP) and the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference (AJK-MC) managed to bag one seat each, according to the unofficial results.

Out of the eight reserved seats, five are for women and three seats, one each for religious scholars, technocrats, and overseas Kashmiris. The members for these seats are nominated after the elections.

Of the 45 general seats, 12 seats were reserved for Kashmiri refugees who had migrated from the IIOJK in 1947 and 1965 and settled in various parts of Pakistan.

Therefore, in the 10 districts of AJK, the elections took place on 33 seats only.

Earlier, Premier Imran has thanked the people of AJK for voting for his party in Sunday’s poll which helped the ruling PTI clinch at least 25 seats.

“I want to thank the ppl [people] of AJK for placing their trust in PTI through their votes which resulted in PTI's electoral victory,” the premier said in a tweet from his official handle on Monday.

PM Imran expressed resolve that his party will focus on bringing the people of AJK out of poverty through his government’s flagship programmes — ‘Ehsaas and Kamayab Naujawan Programme’.

He also pledged that he will establish accountability and transparency in the regional government.

“I want to congratulate all our successful candidates. As ambassador for Kashmir I will continue to raise my voice on all international forums including UN to ensure the international community fulfils its commitment of self-determination to the Kashmiri people through an UN-sponsored plebiscite,” he said in a follow-up tweet.

https://tribune.com.pk/story/231223...-step-down-after-historic-defeat-in-ajk-polls

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Saddened to learn of the killing of our two supporters Zaheer Ahmed & Ramzan, both cousins, during the AJK elections yesterday. My condolences & prayers go to the families. I have instructed the IG to immediately apprehend the killers & commiserate with the families.</p>— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1419692129350299653?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[MenInG]

Seems that the Anti Imran Khan crowd on a sabbatical.

 

[Bewal Express]

Seems that the Anti Imran Khan crowd on a sabbatical.

Don't worry they will be back when it suits them.

 

[IAJ]

Ma sha Allah. Great achievement for PTI and Pakistan. As a Kashmiri I am very happy that many so called democratic countries lost today after trying their best to help N-league win the election. May Allah protect Pakistan from all those countries with evil plans, Ameen.

The sad part was that one of N-leagues leaders basically said he will call out for help from India if he loses the election. This is a new low for bay-ghairiti.

 

[MenInG]

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz on Monday rejected the results of the Kashmir polls, alleging that the elections were rigged.

In a tweet, the PML-N de facto leader threw results of the violence-marred contest into a new chapter of acrimonious allegations, echoing the alarms she had sounded regarding “rigging attempts” during her election campaign across the state. Maryam solemnly said she has not accepted the results and will never accept them.

"I did not accept the 2018 results either or acknowledge this fake government," she added.

In another tweet, she lauded the party workers for “putting up a good fight despite violence and rigging”. Maryam also hinted at her party’s deliberation to come up with an official move on the matter. "What response we will come up with for this shameless rigging, is a matter that the party will decide soon, InshaAllah."

"I would like to commend all the voters and workers of PML-N for their courage and bravery. I am very proud of them," she added.

Meanwhile, PPP leader Bilawal Bhutto alleged the election commission had failed to take action against the PTI for violating electoral rules.

"Despite this, PPP emerged as the largest opposition party in AJK with 11 seats, up from 3 seats last time. incredibly proud of PPPAJK for putting up a good fight," the PPP leader tweeted with a list of the party's winning candidates.

Prime Minister Imran Khan’s PTI emerged as the single-largest party after clinching at least 25 out of 45 seats in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections, according to unofficial results on Monday.
PPP came in second with 11 seats while the PML-N bagged six seats.

According to the unofficial results, the turnout was recorded at around 62pc. More than 700 candidates from 32 political and religious parties contested for the 45 general seats.

 

[corneredtiger85292]

Seems that the Anti Imran Khan crowd on a sabbatical.

Love to see it

 

[corneredtiger85292]

Outstanding stuff from AJK !

A resounding rejection to those who are against Pakistan

 

[Bewal Express]

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz on Monday rejected the results of the Kashmir polls, alleging that the elections were rigged.

In a tweet, the PML-N de facto leader threw results of the violence-marred contest into a new chapter of acrimonious allegations, echoing the alarms she had sounded regarding “rigging attempts” during her election campaign across the state. Maryam solemnly said she has not accepted the results and will never accept them.

"I did not accept the 2018 results either or acknowledge this fake government," she added.

In another tweet, she lauded the party workers for “putting up a good fight despite violence and rigging”. Maryam also hinted at her party’s deliberation to come up with an official move on the matter. "What response we will come up with for this shameless rigging, is a matter that the party will decide soon, InshaAllah."

"I would like to commend all the voters and workers of PML-N for their courage and bravery. I am very proud of them," she added.

Meanwhile, PPP leader Bilawal Bhutto alleged the election commission had failed to take action against the PTI for violating electoral rules.

"Despite this, PPP emerged as the largest opposition party in AJK with 11 seats, up from 3 seats last time. incredibly proud of PPPAJK for putting up a good fight," the PPP leader tweeted with a list of the party's winning candidates.

Prime Minister Imran Khan’s PTI emerged as the single-largest party after clinching at least 25 out of 45 seats in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections, according to unofficial results on Monday.
PPP came in second with 11 seats while the PML-N bagged six seats.

According to the unofficial results, the turnout was recorded at around 62pc. More than 700 candidates from 32 political and religious parties contested for the 45 general seats.

These guys hide behind the facade of rigging. The EC said yesterday not only was there no evidence, they had no complaints.

 

[mazkhan]

Rigged victory

Bought of all the big gangsters of the local rajas and chaudaries the elite tribes who then used their biradari vote and arm twisting of lower castes. Main turner was using the mirpur division votes

Even then pti only got total of 30 % of the vote and won with 600000 + votes

There were 2 million votes which means 1.4 million people didn't vote pti .

 

[IMMY69]

Rigged victory

Bought of all the big gangsters of the local rajas and chaudaries the elite tribes who then used their biradari vote and arm twisting of lower castes. Main turner was using the mirpur division votes

Even then pti only got total of 30 % of the vote and won with 600000 + votes

There were 2 million votes which means 1.4 million people didn't vote pti .

Hey only I'm allowed to make sarcastic posts

 

[mazkhan]

But anyway hope the azad kashmir people know imran and bajwa have sold kashmir , never did india dare to annex kashmir under previous governments only now they have article 370 kashmir.

Expect high inflation, taxes and joblessness, along with a threat of indian army massing on azad kashmir border .

People will regret their vote in the future

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Don't worry they will be back when it suits them.

They are back, and hoping to bring the Indian armed forces with them ( see post above).

Only chance of any confrontation from Indian armed forces on Pakistan's borders is if they are armed with keyboards.

 

[Bewal Express]

But anyway hope the azad kashmir people know imran and bajwa have sold kashmir , never did india dare to annex kashmir under previous governments only now they have article 370 kashmir.

Expect high inflation, taxes and joblessness, along with a threat of indian army massing on azad kashmir border .

People will regret their vote in the future

Is this a parody post?

 

[Bewal Express]

They are back, and hoping to bring the Indian armed forces with them ( see post above).

Only chance of any confrontation from Indian armed forces on Pakistan's borders is if they are armed with keyboards.

What's obvious is that losers will do anything to get power back. If tomorrow Ind offered NS and Maryam a chance to lead the Vichy Republic, they would happily take it. These people really are disgusting and its time the whole of the PML was outlawed

 

[WhenSultansBowled]

Contrary to popular belief I don't think Nooras' desperation is to get the power. Even they can't be this stupid to realize that they will never ever govern again. I don't see masses voting for them, ever again.

I used to think Nawaz Thief wanted a legacy but this last year I believe the desperation is simply to keep the looted money. It is as simple as that.

Look at their following generations, both Shehzadi Maryam and her cousin are inept. The 3rd generation are even more useless. Heck Bilawal wiped floor with Nooras during whole PDM dramay-baazi.

India have lost a lot of investment in this family (and useless Afghan puppet government).

I just pray to Allah we see whole Nawaz Thief family begging on the road in our lifetime.

 

[Bewal Express]

Contrary to popular belief I don't think Nooras' desperation is to get the power. Even they can't be this stupid to realize that they will never ever govern again. I don't see masses voting for them, ever again.

I used to think Nawaz Thief wanted a legacy but this last year I believe the desperation is simply to keep the looted money. It is as simple as that.

Look at their following generations, both Shehzadi Maryam and her cousin are inept. The 3rd generation are even more useless. Heck Bilawal wiped floor with Nooras during whole PDM dramay-baazi.

India have lost a lot of investment in this family (and useless Afghan puppet government).

I just pray to Allah we see whole Nawaz Thief family begging on the road in our lifetime.

Ameen

 

[MenInG]

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry on Monday said that one of the key factors behind Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)’s defeat in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) polls was its supremo Nawaz Sharif’s recent meeting with the Afghan National Security Adviser Hamdullah Mohib.

He claimed the “humiliating defeat” of the party was the result of Nawaz Sharif’s meeting with the “RAW agent” Hamdullah Mohib, saying “it was felt by Kashmiri people”.

In a press conference, the minister, flanked by Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs Ali Amin Gandapur, said it was surprising that the PML-N was refraining from issuing any clarification whether Nawaz Sharif’s meeting with the Afghan NSA had been approved by the party.

He castigated both PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and PML-N Vice-President Maryam Nawaz for crying foul, urging them to take responsibility for their defeat and resign. “They both should resign from their posts voluntarily if they have any ‘political shame’ and give chance to the new political leadership to emerge within the party,” the minister said.

In a tweet on Monday, Maryam Nawaz threw results of the violence-marred contest into a new chapter of acrimonious allegations, echoing the alarms she had sounded regarding “rigging attempts” during her election campaign across the state. Maryam solemnly said she has not accepted the results and will never accept them. PPP leader Bilawal also rejected the results and alleged the election commission failed to take action against “violations”.

Speaking at the press conference on Monday, Fawad Chaudhry said that instead of hiding behind the narrative of rigging, both the leaders should stand aside from their party positions.

“This is their last tenure, especially in the wake of their below-par performance,” he said, claiming that PPP would also face similar defeat in Sindh in the next general elections.

Chaudhry said the major reason PTI won was its pro-Kashmir narrative that resonated with the people of the state, as compared to the “Imran-bashing” speeches of Maryam and Bilawal.

He pointed out there was a stark difference between the narrative employed by the PTI and that advocated by political rivals, adding that the PTI earned a resounding victory due to its language and narrative that struck a chord with the Kashmiri people.

He added that Prime Minister Imran Khan would now deliberate about the nominees for the AJK prime minister and speaker of the legislative assembly.

Nodding to Chauhdry’s remarks, Ali Amin Gandapur regretted that “our previous rulers didn’t play any role”. He thanked the people of Azad Kashmir for supporting PTI in elections.

 

[MenInG]

Opposition party PML-N has rejected the results of Azad Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections, alleging that they were "stolen to fulfil an international agenda".

Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider, PML-N Senior Vice President and former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, and General Secretary PML-N Ahsan Iqbal held a press conference in Islamabad today to protest the results.

Abbasi said that the issue did not start on election day, "it started with rigging before the election".

"Candidates and workers were called and asked to change allegiances," he added.

"In fact, it is democracy that lost in Azad Kashmir on July 25," the former premier said.

"How will a non-representative government be able to take the Kashmir issue forward?" he asked.

Abbasi said that "despite pressure and temptation, our candidates stood firm".

"No other party held rallies as large as the PML-N," he added.

Referring to PM Imran Khan's promise to the people of Kashmir of a referendum following the UN plebiscite, Abbasi said that opening a new path forward "is a negation of UN resolutions".

The PML-N stalwart said that such people are being brought to power "who wish to come on the basis of money".

"We reject the election and consider it a robbery of the rights of the people of Kashmir," he said.

Haider, for his part, asked whether a government "that does not want to give Kashmiris the right to rule" will give them the right to self-determination.

"What do I begin to say about what happened here," he remarked, adding: "This will be exploited by India."

The AJK PM said that the people of Kashmir "are not sheep or goats". He swore to run a campaign in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and to "tell the whole world" of this "money-compromised election".

"You buy people's consciences by waving money at them," he alleged.

Iqbal, meanwhile, said that PM Imran Khan has "stolen the mandate" in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, but "now is not the time to protest the election, rather it is the time to break this ritual".

"Money was used ruthlessly in Azad Kashmir," he said.

The PML-N general secretary asked why when a complaint demanding a recount has been handed in, are the bags of votes not being opened.

"Why has our request been rejected?" he demanded to know.

 

[ahmedzee]

Why is PPP rejecting the result? They won lesser seats in 2016 compared to now. They didn't reject the results in 2016, why now when they won more seats. Were they expecting to win less this time??

AJK usually votes for the govt in power, and that has been the trend in this election too.

PML-N got bonus seats. The way they are going on about anti-Pakistan rhetoric these days and their PM (AJK PM) not doing literally anything for Kashmir in terms of projects, why would the people vote for them?

 

[IAJ]

This is getting stupid. They keep crying about democracy and when they lose they don’t accept the defeat. Maybe this country deserves military leadership only?

 

[maverick85]

What have these nakamy namoonay (including fazlur lota) done for the Kashmir cause? The resounding silence should be a huge cause of concern. I'm afraid these parties are deeply entrenched in AJK and will put up roadblocks so that PTI won't be able to hit the ground running. I hope I'm wrong.

 

[Gharib Aadmi]

The party ruling Federal goverment always win the Azad Kashmir election. So its not a surprise that PTI won. However this is not a bad result for PML N and PPP.

PPP went from 3 seats to 11. Aseefa Zardari seems a better leader than Bilawal, though that's not saying much. Overall a good showing.

PML N only won 6 seats, however they received 26% of the vote. PTI had 33%. So not a bad result from them either.

 

[Gharib Aadmi]

Contrary to popular belief I don't think Nooras' desperation is to get the power. Even they can't be this stupid to realize that they will never ever govern again. I don't see masses voting for them, ever again.

I used to think Nawaz Thief wanted a legacy but this last year I believe the desperation is simply to keep the looted money. It is as simple as that.

Look at their following generations, both Shehzadi Maryam and her cousin are inept. The 3rd generation are even more useless. Heck Bilawal wiped floor with Nooras during whole PDM dramay-baazi.

India have lost a lot of investment in this family (and useless Afghan puppet government).

I just pray to Allah we see whole Nawaz Thief family begging on the road in our lifetime.

They still have a huge vote bank. Maryam has a legit chance of becoming PM in 2023.

 

[Gharib Aadmi]

Rigged victory

Bought of all the big gangsters of the local rajas and chaudaries the elite tribes who then used their biradari vote and arm twisting of lower castes. Main turner was using the mirpur division votes

Even then pti only got total of 30 % of the vote and won with 600000 + votes

There were 2 million votes which means 1.4 million people didn't vote pti .

All parties do that. Who do you think were the candidates of PPP and PML N?

 

[Colorblind Genius]

Rigged victory

Bought of all the big gangsters of the local rajas and chaudaries the elite tribes who then used their biradari vote and arm twisting of lower castes. Main turner was using the mirpur division votes

Even then pti only got total of 30 % of the vote and won with 600000 + votes

There were 2 million votes which means 1.4 million people didn't vote pti .

But don’t Maryam and Bilawal got a lot more money than IK?
Why didn’t they put a higher bid if votes were on sale?

 

[King_Kohli]

PML-N to protest against poll ‘rigging’

MUZAFFARABAD:
The PML-N has rejected the results of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) general election and accused the ruling PTI of large-scale rigging. The opposition party, which was ruling the region for the last 5 years, also announced a protest movement.

The PTI emerged as the biggest party in AJK after winning 25 seats in the Sunday’s general election in the region. The party routed the PML-N which could only secure 6 general seats.

On Tuesday, the PML-N key leaders – Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Ahsan Iqbal and AJK’s former premier Raja Farooq Haider –addressed a press conference in the AJK’s capital to reject the election results.

“We reject the election results. We will launch a movement against this rigging in Pakistan as well as across the world and expose [Prime Minister] Imran Khan,” Haider said

He said people were deprived of their right to choose their elected representatives and the PTI used money to buy votes. “The AJK was deprived of its rights. We will gather in Islamabad on Friday to tell the world about this massive rigging,” he added.

Ahsan Iqbal said the aim of the protest is not just to highlight the rigging but also to end this practice. He claimed that this alleged rigging is part of an international conspiracy to alienate the people of the AJK from Pakistan and to fan the anti-Pakistan sentiments in the region.

“It is on international imperialists’ agenda to pave the way for formation of an independent Kashmiri state. Even Prime Minister Imran Khan has spilled the beans by saying that his government will hold a second referendum in the valley to allow the Kashmiris to choose between Pakistan and independence.”

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday said his government would hold a referendum in the disputed Himalayan valley of Jammu and Kashmir – after a UN plebiscite – to determine if Kashmiris want to be a part of Pakistan or independence as he is certain that Kashmiris will opt for Pakistan.

“It is being said that I want to turn the AJK into a province, I don’t know where it came from,” the premier said while addressing a huge election rally at Tarar Khal area of the AJK.

The premier was alluding to a statement of PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz who on July 18 claimed during an election speech in the AJK that the PTI government had taken a decision to turn the disputed valley into a province.

Prime Minister Imran said his government strongly believes in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions under which the people of Jammu and Kashmir were given the right to choose whether they wanted to accede to Pakistan or India.

“InshaAllah, I am confident that the sacrifices of Kashmiri people will not go in vain and the day is not far when the referendum [plebiscite] in Kashmir will be held to give them right to decide about their fate.

“Later, my government will hold another referendum in Kashmir to know if the people want to become a part of Pakistan or want complete independence,” the PM had added.

According to Ahsan Iqbal, the premier through that statement had not only ridiculed the great sacrifices of the Kashmiris but had also tried to change the scheme of the partition of the subcontinent.

“It [PM’s statement] was an attack on the foundations of Pakistan and was part of a great conspiracy,” the PML-N leader added.

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2312611/pml-n-to-protest-against-poll-rigging

 

[WhenSultansBowled]

They still have a huge vote bank. Maryam has a legit chance of becoming PM in 2023.

Nah. They just lost in Sialkot.

Pakistani people openly call them Thieves and many even abuse them publicly (personal experiences).

Nawaz Thief is retired, Shehzadi Maryam has all but completely destroyed the thief party, Uncle is confused and cousin is irrelevant...

Even Bilawal the man-child is better equipped than this sorry lot of thieves.


Let's see, time eventually answers everything.

 

[Bewal Express]

Nah. They just lost in Sialkot.

Pakistani people openly call them Thieves and many even abuse them publicly (personal experiences).

Nawaz Thief is retired, Shehzadi Maryam has all but completely destroyed the thief party, Uncle is confused and cousin is irrelevant...

Even Bilawal the man-child is better equipped than this sorry lot of thieves.


Let's see, time eventually answers everything.

This result is a real shock and if it signals a sea change in Punjab then the Nooras are finished.

 

[YousafTheBeast]

Nah. They just lost in Sialkot.

Pakistani people openly call them Thieves and many even abuse them publicly (personal experiences).

Nawaz Thief is retired, Shehzadi Maryam has all but completely destroyed the thief party, Uncle is confused and cousin is irrelevant...

Even Bilawal the man-child is better equipped than this sorry lot of thieves.


Let's see, time eventually answers everything.

In the next 15 years I envision Maryam Nawaz becoming the PM of Pakistan. It’s going to happen whether we like it or not. I don’t see how PTI will survive after IK.

Being convicted of corruption won’t stop a party from coming into power especially if that country is corrupt itself.

The worst is yet to come.

 

[Bewal Express]

In the next 15 years I envision Maryam Nawaz becoming the PM of Pakistan. It’s going to happen whether we like it or not. I don’t see how PTI will survive after IK.

Being convicted of corruption won’t stop a party from coming into power especially if that country is corrupt itself.

The worst is yet to come.

Well it can't be ruled out but as awareness improves it won't be so easy. A lot will depend on events and if things don't improve for the common man then it's always a possibility.

 

[YousafTheBeast]

Well it can't be ruled out but as awareness improves it won't be so easy. A lot will depend on events and if things don't improve for the common man then it's always a possibility.

The only way to stop PML-N or PPP coming into power again is by getting rid of their leaders. Once the family dynasty has disappeared only then will we see less corruption in politics.

 

[Firebat]

India distances from LAC disengagement claims by China, condemns elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir

New Delhi: India on Thursday distanced itself from Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong’s claims yesterday that Indian and People’s Liberation Army troops have ‘disengaged’ in the Galwan Valley and Pangong Lake areas.

“We have been reiterating our position regarding disengagement and de-escalation. I don’t have particular update right now. We’ll share with you the information regarding the next round of Commander-level talks which both leaders – External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi – agreed to hold at an early date,” MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.

Weidong on Wednesday claimed that both countries had withdrawn troops from the friction points along the Line of Actual Control near Ladakh after over a year of a bitter standoff.

Commenting on the recently-conducted elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, the MEA spokesperson said that “such exercises cannot hide the illegal occupation by Pakistan in Indian territories”.

“The so-called elections in Indian territory, under illegal occupation of Pakistan, are nothing but an attempt by Pakistan to camouflage its illegal occupation and the material changes undertaken by it in these territories. India has lodged a strong protest with Pakistani authorities on this cosmetic exercise protested and rejected by the local people. Such exercise cannot hide the illegal occupation by Pakistan, or the grave human rights violations, exploitation and denial of freedom to people in occupied territories. Pakistan has no locus standi on these Indian territories. We call upon Pakistan to vacate all Indian areas under its illegal occupation,” Bagchi said in a strongly-worded statement.

Responding to Pakistani and Chinese Foreign Ministers making references to Jammu and Kashmir in their joint statement, the MEA spokesperson said that India categorically rejects any such reference, and that J&K and Ladakh “have been and will remain integral and inalienable parts of India”.

“The joint press release has also made a reference to the so-called China Pakistan Economic Corridor. We have consistently conveyed to China and Pakistan that the so-called CPEC is in India’s territory that has been illegally occupied by Pakistan and that we resolutely oppose. Any attempts by other countries to change the status quo in areas illegally occupied by Pakistan as also to Pakistan bringing up any material change in Indian territories under its illegal occupation...we call upon parties concerned to cease such action,” Bagchi said.

India also wishes to see a stable and democratic Afghanistan which is at peace with its neighbours, the External Affairs Ministry said in New Delhi.

“We are closely monitoring the developments in Afghanistan. The EAM spoke on our perspective about situation in Afghanistan yesterday. India and the world wish to see an independent, sovereign, democratic and stable Afghanistan which is at peace with itself and its neighbours,” the MEA spokesperson said.

https://www.timesnownews.com/india/...elections-in-pakistan-occupied-kashmir/792185

 

[Majid Khan]

In the next 15 years I envision Maryam Nawaz becoming the PM of Pakistan. It’s going to happen whether we like it or not. I don’t see how PTI will survive after IK.

Being convicted of corruption won’t stop a party from coming into power especially if that country is corrupt itself.

The worst is yet to come.

As much as we can hope this never happens , but then history tells us anything is possible in Pakistan.

Who could have imagined this happening less than a decade ago : Zardari as President taking oath of Nawaz Sharif to become PM again.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VM2ldndmq4g

What a memorable day in the history of Pakistan.

 

[MenInG]

PTI has won the LA-16 Bagh 3 seat of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, whose results were withheld for re-polling on four polling stations, after clashes brought polling to a halt on July 25.

According to unofficial results, after today's polling, PTI candidate Sardar Mir Akbar bagged 23,561 votes, whereas PPP's Sardar Qamaruz Zaman obtained 23,267 votes — a difference of a mere 294 votes.

In the polls on July 25, PTI emerged as the largest winner with 25 seats, PPP came in second place with 11, while PML-N won six seats.

Now, with this latest victory, PTI will have 26 seats in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.

 

[ahmedzee]

As much as we can hope this never happens , but then history tells us anything is possible in Pakistan.

Who could have imagined this happening less than a decade ago : Zardari as President taking oath of Nawaz Sharif to become PM again.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VM2ldndmq4g

What a memorable day in the history of Pakistan.

Memorable day indeed. Even after taking the oath 3 times to "not allow personal interest influence my official conduct and official decision". Well, Panama happened 3 years later, and rest is history.

We need to make sure as Pakistan that we will never let such morons in power, who have personal interests to be in power, who would commit treason and bark against Pakistan and its ideologies. MQM rejected Altaf when he acted exactly like how Mariam and Nawaz Sharif are acting. I hope PML-N does that same to these two crooks and stop the family monarch which currently is PML-N and PPP.

 

[MenInG]

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has taken interviews of the elected members of the Azad Jammu Kashmir Legislative Assembly for the prized post of prime minister.

Barristers Sultan Mahmood, Khawaja Farooq, Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan and Azhar Sadiq had separate meetings with PM Imran.

Questions about the candidates' vision for tourism, hydropower, minerals, health, education and development works were asked by the premier, sources were reported as saying in The News.

All four candidates shared their priorities for Azad Kashmir.

PTI AJK President Barrister Sultan Mahmood told the media that there was no number game and "everyone was united".

Billionaire real estate tycoon Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan said that consultation is underway in the party on special seats.

A decision for speaker, deputy speaker and other posts is yet to be made, he said.

Who are the candidates?

Barrister Mahmood has won the AJK Legislative Assembly seat from his parent Mirpur LA-3 constituency by defeating his nearest rival Ch Muhammad Saeed of PML-N by 3,147 votes, while Sardar Tanveer emerged victorious from his Bagh constituency.

Mahmood has been elected to the AJKLA eight times and had also been the prime minister when he was associated with the PPP. He joined the PTI in 2015 when he was a PPP member of the AJKLA.

Sardar Tanveer is a newcomer to the PTI and owns a famous multi-storey residential and shopping complex in the federal capital. He is currently serving as the special assistant to the Punjab chief minister.

He actually belongs to Rawalakot but opted for the Bagh seat as a large number of members of his caste live there.

Sardar Tanveer tried to brighten his prospects by persuading the former chief of the AJK branch of the Jamaat-e-Islami, Abdul Rasheed Turabi, to withdraw in his favour, a move that quickly earned Turabi expulsion from the party.

GEO

 

[MenInG]

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan summoned the Indian charge d’affaires on Friday to categorically reject the Indian Ministry of External Affairs’ “false, untenable and self-serving comments” on the recently-held elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

The FO, in a statement, said the Indian charge d’affaires was summoned to convey Pakistan’s complete rejection of India’s sham protest and to reiterate Pakistan’s clear and consistent position on the Kashmir dispute.

According to the Foreign Office statement: “India cannot hide the fact that it is in illegal occupation of parts of Jammu and Kashmir. To perpetuate its occupation of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK), India has committed horrendous human rights violations against innocent Kashmiris over the past seven decades, and particularly since 5 August 2019.”

The FO stated the Kashmir dispute between Pakistan and India has been on the agenda of the United Nations Security Council since 1948, adding that it remains an internationally recognised dispute backed by the relevant UNSC resolutions.

The FO added that the people of AJK “enjoy the fruits of free and participatory electoral process, while IIOJK bleeds under India’s illegal occupation”.

“Despite the solemn commitments made by the Government of India in numerous official communications to the Security Council, to Pakistan, to other states, and to the people of Jammu and Kashmir to abide by and implement the UN Security Council’s resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir, India has renege on these commitments over the years,” it added.

GEO

 

[MenInG]

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari slammed the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for rigging and using money in the recently concluded elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and warned that his party would give a tough time to the incoming government there.

Talking to PPP’s newly-elected lawmakers for the AJK Legislative Assembly in the federal capital, Bilawal said that he would be contacting other opposition parties in the struggle against the PTI government, and expose the rigging in AJK polls inside and outside parliament.

“There has never been more rigging in the past than the AJK elections. Their minister was caught red-handed while distributing money,” Bilawal said. “A new government is being formed in the AJK on the basis of money but the PPP would not allow it run,” he added.

Bilawal said that despite the rigging, the PPP gave a tough time to PTI in the AJK and added that the party would not leave the field open for the incoming “puppet” government. He stressed need for all the opposition parties to come to the same page to give the PTI government a tough time.

Commenting on the government’s proposal to introduce the electronic voting machines (EVMs), the PPP chairman said that the party could not accept the proposal unless it was acceptable to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

Talking to the reporters after the meeting, Bilawal said that the PPP was the largest opposition party in the AJK. “We will give a tough time to the puppet government of Azad Kashmir alone and together with other parties,” he said. “We will work with the opposition to formulate a strategy.”

Replying to a question about lodging of cases against the PPP lawmakers, Bilawal referred to the newly-elected Chaudhry Yaseen. “[Such] actions against us are not new,” he said, adding Chaudhry Yaseen was attacked and it was seen on TV. Yet Chaudhry Yasin won on two seats.

“Political revenge is being taken from Chaudhry Yasin and his son as murder cases have been filed against them. We will protest strongly and we will not allow actions against our people. We will … join other parties in the protest.”

He stated that the PPP Jiyalas had been opposing the Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) government in AJK for five years and the PTI's federal government for three years. “The position of the PPP is very clear … the PPP will fight this puppet government from Karachi to Kashmir.

When asked about the appointment of Arbab Ghulam Rahim, Bilawal said that Prime Minister Imran Khan had collected all the political orphans in Sindh. “We have defeated this kind of alliance before and we will defeat them again as usual.

Responding to another question, he said that Opposition Leader in National Assembly Shahbaz Sharif engaged with the PPP in a good manner. He stressed that the opposition could use the democratic method of no-confidence to overthrow the Punjab government first and then Imran's government.

 

[ahmedzee]

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari slammed the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for rigging and using money in the recently concluded elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and warned that his party would give a tough time to the incoming government there.

Talking to PPP’s newly-elected lawmakers for the AJK Legislative Assembly in the federal capital, Bilawal said that he would be contacting other opposition parties in the struggle against the PTI government, and expose the rigging in AJK polls inside and outside parliament.

“There has never been more rigging in the past than the AJK elections. Their minister was caught red-handed while distributing money,” Bilawal said. “A new government is being formed in the AJK on the basis of money but the PPP would not allow it run,” he added.

Bilawal said that despite the rigging, the PPP gave a tough time to PTI in the AJK and added that the party would not leave the field open for the incoming “puppet” government. He stressed need for all the opposition parties to come to the same page to give the PTI government a tough time.

Commenting on the government’s proposal to introduce the electronic voting machines (EVMs), the PPP chairman said that the party could not accept the proposal unless it was acceptable to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

Talking to the reporters after the meeting, Bilawal said that the PPP was the largest opposition party in the AJK. “We will give a tough time to the puppet government of Azad Kashmir alone and together with other parties,” he said. “We will work with the opposition to formulate a strategy.”

Replying to a question about lodging of cases against the PPP lawmakers, Bilawal referred to the newly-elected Chaudhry Yaseen. “[Such] actions against us are not new,” he said, adding Chaudhry Yaseen was attacked and it was seen on TV. Yet Chaudhry Yasin won on two seats.

“Political revenge is being taken from Chaudhry Yasin and his son as murder cases have been filed against them. We will protest strongly and we will not allow actions against our people. We will … join other parties in the protest.”

He stated that the PPP Jiyalas had been opposing the Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) government in AJK for five years and the PTI's federal government for three years. “The position of the PPP is very clear … the PPP will fight this puppet government from Karachi to Kashmir.

When asked about the appointment of Arbab Ghulam Rahim, Bilawal said that Prime Minister Imran Khan had collected all the political orphans in Sindh. “We have defeated this kind of alliance before and we will defeat them again as usual.

Responding to another question, he said that Opposition Leader in National Assembly Shahbaz Sharif engaged with the PPP in a good manner. He stressed that the opposition could use the democratic method of no-confidence to overthrow the Punjab government first and then Imran's government.

Bilawal, if the elections are rigged then how come PPP got more votes this time than last time. That means previous elections were rigged too but you didn’t bat an eye because your looting buddies won that election.

 

[MenInG]

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidate Abdul Qayyum Niazi was elected the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on Wednesday.

Niazi, elected from LA-18 Abbaspur, has become the 13th prime minister of AJK, after securing 33 votes for the slot of Leader of the House in Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.

The joint candidate of the Opposition, Chaudhry Latif Akbar, secured 15 votes.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Imran Khan had nominated Niazi as the PTI's candidate for the slot of AJK prime minister.

The news of Niazi’s nomination was revealed by the Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Hussain Chaudhry on his official Twitter account.

“After a long consultation and review of suggestions, the Prime Minister of Pakistan and Chairman PTI Imran Khan has nominated the newly elected MLA Mr Abdul Qayyum Niazi for the post of Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir,” he wrote.

The minister also termed Abdul Qayyum as "a dynamic and genuine political activist, dedicated to his workers".

Abdul Qayyum Niazi was previously part of the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference (AJKMC) before leaving it to join the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) two years ago.

He was also elected to the assembly from the platform of the Muslim Conference in 2006 and has also served as the Minister of Food.

The premier interviewed a total of five candidates for the post of prime minister of AJK, including Sardar Tanveer Ilyas, Barrister Sultan Mahmood, Khawaja Farooq, Azhar Sadiq and Abdul Qayyum Niazi.

At first, Abdul Qayyum was not in the running for this post, and was only included at the eleventh hour.

PM Imran Khan had interviewed the candidates and asked them questions about the environment, tourism, economy, national and international affairs, border issues and future strategy.

A day earlier, PTI candidate Anwarul Haq and Riaz Gujjar took their oaths for the duties of speaker and deputy speaker, respectively, in the AJK Legislative Assembly.

Speaker Shah Ghulam Qadir administered them oaths along with the other elected members. Among those who took the oath were six women.

Sardar Atiq Ahmad Khan of the Muslim Conference and Javed Iqbal Badhanivi of the Pakistan Peoples Party could not take the oath.

 

[Bewal Express]

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidate Abdul Qayyum Niazi was elected the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on Wednesday.

Niazi, elected from LA-18 Abbaspur, has become the 13th prime minister of AJK, after securing 33 votes for the slot of Leader of the House in Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.

The joint candidate of the Opposition, Chaudhry Latif Akbar, secured 15 votes.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Imran Khan had nominated Niazi as the PTI's candidate for the slot of AJK prime minister.

The news of Niazi’s nomination was revealed by the Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Hussain Chaudhry on his official Twitter account.

“After a long consultation and review of suggestions, the Prime Minister of Pakistan and Chairman PTI Imran Khan has nominated the newly elected MLA Mr Abdul Qayyum Niazi for the post of Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir,” he wrote.

The minister also termed Abdul Qayyum as "a dynamic and genuine political activist, dedicated to his workers".

Abdul Qayyum Niazi was previously part of the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference (AJKMC) before leaving it to join the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) two years ago.

He was also elected to the assembly from the platform of the Muslim Conference in 2006 and has also served as the Minister of Food.

The premier interviewed a total of five candidates for the post of prime minister of AJK, including Sardar Tanveer Ilyas, Barrister Sultan Mahmood, Khawaja Farooq, Azhar Sadiq and Abdul Qayyum Niazi.

At first, Abdul Qayyum was not in the running for this post, and was only included at the eleventh hour.

PM Imran Khan had interviewed the candidates and asked them questions about the environment, tourism, economy, national and international affairs, border issues and future strategy.

A day earlier, PTI candidate Anwarul Haq and Riaz Gujjar took their oaths for the duties of speaker and deputy speaker, respectively, in the AJK Legislative Assembly.

Speaker Shah Ghulam Qadir administered them oaths along with the other elected members. Among those who took the oath were six women.

Sardar Atiq Ahmad Khan of the Muslim Conference and Javed Iqbal Badhanivi of the Pakistan Peoples Party could not take the oath.

They said IK would go for the rich guys with family connections but Kaptaan goes for the quiet guy with no connections.

 

[Last Monetarist]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Saddened to learn of the passing of Sardar Sikandar Hayat Khan, former President of AJK as well as former PM of AJK. His contribution to the Kashmir cause & service to the Kashmiri people were invaluable. My prayers & condolences go to his family.</p>— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1446903184509870085?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>