The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) announced a political alliance on Sunday for the upcoming general elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). As part of the agreement, the PPP withdrew two of its candidates in favor of the JUI-F, while the JUI-F pledged support for PPP candidates in all other constituencies.
Joint Press Conference at Kashmir House
The announcement was made during a joint press conference at Kashmir House by PPP AJK President Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin and JUI-F AJK chief Maulana Saeed Yousaf. Senior PPP leader and former AJK minister Mian Abdul Waheed, along with PPP candidate Nabila Ayub, were also present at the event.
Describing the alliance as a "historic day" in AJK politics, Yasin stated that the PPP and JUI-F had formally agreed to contest the elections together. "Maulana Fazlur Rehman is a seasoned politician who believes in dialogue and mutual understanding. The alliance between the PPP and the JUI-F will benefit both parties as well as the state," he said.
Key Details of the Alliance
Yasin announced that JUI-F's Maulana Saeed Yousaf would be the joint candidate of both parties in constituencies LA-14 Dhirkot and LA-23. He also confirmed that PPP candidates, including Nabila Ayub and another female candidate, would withdraw their nomination papers in favor of Yousaf.
Addressing the press conference, Maulana Saeed Yousaf emphasized that this was the first time in AJK's history that the PPP and JUI-F had entered into a political alliance. "The PPP will support us in two constituencies, while the JUI-F will support PPP candidates in all other constituencies," he explained. He added that JUI-F candidates had filed nomination papers in 13 constituencies and appealed to them to withdraw their papers and fully support PPP nominees.
JI and JUI-F Leaders Urge Dialogue
Separately, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Hafiz Naeem and JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman urged the government to resolve the ongoing crisis in AJK through dialogue rather than force. They warned that any action leading to bloodshed would further aggravate the situation.
Hafiz Naeem called on Fazl at his residence in Islamabad to discuss the prevailing situation in AJK. After the meeting, the two leaders addressed a joint press conference. Hafiz Naeem said the developments in Kashmir had caused concern across the country, describing the issue as highly sensitive. "What is happening in Kashmir has plunged the entire country into anxiety. We have made sacrifices for Kashmir for the past 80 years and have consistently raised the issue at the UN," he stated.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman endorsed Hafiz Naeem's remarks, saying they reflected the sentiments of the entire nation. He revealed that the first person to contact him over the crisis was Mushaal Hussein Mullick, wife of imprisoned Kashmiri Hurriyat leader Yasin Malik.
