The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has escalated its criticism of coalition partner Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) as it seeks to consolidate support and strengthen its position in the upcoming Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections. Political activity in AJK has intensified ahead of the polls, with authorities reporting strong participation from parties and candidates despite what officials describe as attempts by disruptive elements to undermine political stability.
Background of political changes in AJK
The heightened election activity follows major political changes that reshaped the AJK government in late 2024. On November 17, 2024, former Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq was removed through a successful vote of no confidence supported by 36 members of the 53-member Legislative Assembly. The move resulted from coordinated efforts by the PPP and PML-N, leading to the election of PPP leader Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore as the 16th Prime Minister of AJK. Since assuming office, Rathore has formed his cabinet and worked to consolidate the PPP’s political position ahead of the elections next month.
Strained relations between coalition partners
Recent developments indicate that relations between the PPP and PML-N have become increasingly strained despite their previous cooperation. Tensions escalated after PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari launched sharp public criticism of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and federal government members. Bilawal urged the Prime Minister to “control your ministers,” taking particular exception to remarks by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif concerning AJK-related issues.
The PPP chairman accused certain federal ministers of making statements that questioned the identity and sentiments of Kashmiris. He argued such remarks were inappropriate and called for greater sensitivity on Kashmir matters, a politically significant issue in the ongoing AJK election campaign. Bilawal also highlighted what he described as governance disparities, contrasting development in Lahore with inadequate attention to Karachi’s infrastructure and public service needs. The criticism revived longstanding PPP concerns over delays in federally funded projects, including the K-IV water supply project.
Electoral strategy and political positioning
Political analysts believe the PPP’s confrontational tone serves multiple electoral objectives. By positioning itself as an independent force willing to challenge its coalition partner on Kashmir, governance, and regional development, the party appears to be seeking greater support among AJK voters. “This tactic worked in the recent Gilgit-Baltistan elections where the PPP won against other parties including the PML-N,” said a senior PPP leader. He added: “Majority of the PPP workers do not accept our alliance with the PML-N. We are basically rivals but are working together for democracy.”
Despite criticizing the PML-N in the GB elections, the PPP eventually regrouped with the party under the same formula implemented in federal and provincial governments. A close aide of the Bhutto family told The Nation that the directives from the leadership were to be aggressive against the PML-N. “We are aiming to win elections on our own but if we need others after the polls, we are ready to negotiate. At this time, it’s everybody for himself,” he maintained.
PPP forms parliamentary board for ticket distribution
The PPP’s election preparations were further underscored by the formation of a high-powered parliamentary board tasked with awarding party tickets to candidates contesting the AJK polls. The board, constituted by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, comprises senior party leaders including Faryal Talpur, Syed Nayyar Hussain Bokhari, Muhammad Humayyun Khan, Chaudhry Muhammad Yaseen, Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, Chaudhry Latif Akbar, Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan, and several other prominent figures from the party’s central and regional leadership. According to the PPP, the board will evaluate aspiring candidates and finalize nominations through a consultative process aimed at strengthening the party’s electoral prospects and organizational coordination across AJK.
Election commission confirms readiness
According to AJK Chief Election Commissioner Ghulam Mustafa Mughal, the Election Commission has completed all necessary arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the elections. He said a large number of candidates have been actively filing nomination papers across various constituencies, demonstrating widespread interest in the electoral process. Election officials maintain that the overall atmosphere remains conducive to democratic participation, with citizens actively engaging in the political process and parties intensifying campaign preparations.
The growing number of candidates and heightened political mobilization indicate that the upcoming elections are likely to be among the most closely watched contests in recent AJK history. With nomination filings continuing and major parties sharpening their political messaging, the election campaign is expected to become highly competitive in the coming weeks, as the PPP seeks to leverage its control of the AJK government while simultaneously distancing itself from the PML-N on key political issues to maximize electoral gains.
