ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F) Tuesday decided to jointly contest the forthcoming general elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
Earlier in June, the AJK Election Commission announced that the general elections across the state would be held on July 27. The state had saw last elections held in July 2021.
The announcement to this effect came after PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari called on JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman at his residence here and later held a media talk.
Talking to the media, Bilawal formally announced an electoral alliance between the two parties, saying the alliance marks a new chapter in political cooperation between the two parties.
The PPP Chairman emphasised that the issues of AJK should be resolved through peaceful and democratic means.
“Legitimate concerns of the Kashmiri people should be addressed through parliament and the electoral process rather than through unrest on the streets,” the PPP chairman advised.
Bilawal said if the JUI-F chief, while sitting in the opposition, was willing to play a positive role for the country, then the treasury benches were also ready to engage him in dialogue.
AJK elections
Bilawal sought that the polls in AJK must be “peaceful, transparent and free” of any controversy so that the problems faced by the people of Kashmir could be addressed effectively.
He was of the view that instead of long marches, strikes and protests, political issues should be raised and resolved through democratic institutions.
Bilawal expressed his desire to see the PPP and JUI-F form coalition governments in Balochistan, Sindh and AJK in the future.
“I request the JUI-F chief to consult with his party so that both parties could work together wherever an alliance is possible,” Bilawal suggested.
He added that resolving the ongoing crisis in AJK requires a joint effort by the federal government, the AJK government, and all political parties.
HE also called upon protesters in AJK to remain peaceful and refrain from taking the law into their own hands, emphasising that lasting solutions lie in parliament and the democratic electoral process, not on the streets.
Speaking on the occasion, the JUI-F chief welcomed Bilawal’s invitation to forge an alliance for the AJK polls.
He said the visit of Bilawal to his residence was a good development.
Responding to a question on whether they were in favour of refugee seats in the AJK Assembly, Fazl said the issue could be settled through dialogue.
“Guns and batons are not the solution to any problem, but dialogue,” he added.
