In reply to Nawaz, Bilawal says people of AJK not ready to 'bargain away their rights' in elections

Bilawal Responds to Nawaz Sharif's Jibe Ahead of AJK Elections

Responding to PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif’s recent jibe, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari stated on Sunday that whether it is Kashmir or Kashmore, Mirpur or Mirpurkhas, their residents were not ready to bargain away their rights. Bilawal’s response comes a day before the first phase of elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir is set to begin, with Mirpur voting on Monday. It also comes amid allegations of pre-poll rigging by the PPP after the PML-N gave 10 e-buses to Muzaffarabad and Mirpur as a gift.

Addressing a public rally in AJK’s Mirpur on Friday as part of his party’s election campaign, Nawaz had named Bilawal and said Kashmir should not be mistaken for Kashmore, nor Mirpur for Mirpurkhas—districts of Sindh where the PPP has been in power for years. Subsequently, Bilawal shared a video statement on social media, beginning his message with a direct tag to Nawaz’s X account. He emphasized that the temperament, honor, and courage to stand up for rights match across these regions.

Comparing Regional Tempers and Political Ownership

The PPP chairman stated that no one would let anyone rob them politically of their right to governance and right to ownership, whether in Kashmore or Kashmir. He asserted that the people want to make their own decisions and will not hand over power over their future to any other city or province. According to Dawn Home, Bilawal maintained that just as the people of Kashmir and Kashmore rejected the Muslim League in previous elections and swept away the PML-N in Mirpur and Mirpurkhas, the verdict would be repeated.

Referring to the upcoming polls in Mirpur, Bilawal expressed his belief that the Kashmir verdict would be in favor of the PPP. He also commented on announcements by Nawaz and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz regarding gifting electric buses and hospitals on wheels to the people of AJK before the election. Ten e-buses arrived in Muzaffarabad on Saturday, while more reached Mirpur subsequently, as confirmed by the PML-N.

Public Rights Versus Political Gifts

In his social media post, Bilawal welcomed buses, hospitals, roads, and an airport, but argued that something built with public money is not a gift from any politician, rather it is the public’s right. The PPP chairman remarked that his party, which is currently in power in the region, had included 3,308 additional teachers, a cardiac hospital, new roads, IT centres, and employment opportunities for youth in the AJK budget. He added that he secured funding for Mirpur Airport in the previous federal budget and that the stadium where opponents hold rallies was built during the PPP's tenure.

Bilawal urged supporters to come out in large numbers on polling day to cast their votes for his party, aiming to secure the right to governance, ownership, and employment for the people of Kashmir.

Election Preparations and Security Arrangements

Separately, AJK Chief Election Commissioner Ghulam Mustafa Mughal urged voters in Mirpur division to turn out in large numbers for the first phase of general elections, where more than 1.4 million registered voters will elect representatives from 13 constituencies. The CEC stated in a video message that elaborate security arrangements had been made, deploying security forces and Quick Response Force teams at polling stations. He warned that anyone attempting to disrupt the polling process would face strict legal action.

According to the AJK Election Commission, 1,400,437 voters—comprising 724,811 men and 675,626 women—are registered across 13 constituencies in the division. Polling will take place at 2,316 polling stations, with 1,241 categorized as highly sensitive, 724 sensitive, and 351 normal. A total of 288 candidates are contesting the elections, with monitoring organized across 13 zones and 205 sectors.

Deployment of Law Enforcement Agencies

A three-tier security plan has been implemented, deploying 18,560 personnel from the police and other law enforcement agencies. Police provide the first layer of security, Pakistan Rangers from Punjab and Sindh alongside the Federal Constabulary form the second layer, and the Pakistan Army acts as the third layer. Approximately 2,100 army personnel are deployed, with Quick Response Force teams on standby.

Chief Secretary Khushal Khan and Election Commission Secretary Raja Muhammad Shakeel informed the media that all arrangements were finalized. Shakeel noted that around 22,000 election personnel were deployed, polling materials reached stations, and all political parties welcomed the Election Commission code of conduct. Additionally, the commission permitted registered parties and candidates to use automated robocalls for campaigning until 48 hours before polling day.