PML-N, PPP leaders resume talks to ease tensions over AJK polls

Senior leaders from Pakistan's ruling coalition partners, the PML-N and PPP, met Saturday to de-escalate tensions following allegations of rigging in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections. The PPP has accused the PML-N of manipulating results in four of the 13 constituencies during the first phase of polling and is demanding a re-election.

The latest round of talks followed two previous meetings. The PML-N delegation included Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah and Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs Amir Muqam. The PPP was represented by former Senate chairman Nayyar Bokhari and former federal minister Qamar Zaman Kaira. The meetings focused on security arrangements for the upcoming second phase of polling and addressing the PPP's rigging allegations.

Both sides agreed that the Election Commission and local administrations must implement extraordinary security measures to ensure voters can cast their ballots freely. Regarding the rigging claims, PML-N leaders reportedly told their PPP counterparts that any irregularities were isolated incidents, not part of an organized plan. They suggested that the PPP's delayed election preparations, stemming from an expectation of a one-year delay, contributed to their electoral performance.

The discussions also explored avenues for resolving the complaints through political dialogue and legal means. The PPP had initially raised objections to results in the Charhoi, Sehnsa, and Nakyal constituencies in Kotli district, and Barnala in Bhimber district.

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It was not planned or pre-planned rigging but isolated acts at places where supporters of one candidate enjoyed numerical dominance over their opponents. Such incidents have unfortunately been part of the territory’s polling atmosphere and have also been witnessed in previous elections.