{
  "id": 2612995,
  "title": "AJK premier alleges PPP denied level playing field in recent elections",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/ajk-premier-alleges-ppp-denied-level-playing-field-in-recent-elections",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-22T11:18:49.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Express Tribune - Pakistan",
    "slug": "the-express-tribune-pakistan",
    "url": "https://tribune.com.pk/story/2625276/ajk-premier-alleges-ppp-denied-level-playing-field-in-recent-elections"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Azad Jammu and Kashmir's Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore claimed on Saturday that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) was not given an equal opportunity in the latest general elections and that certain methods were employed to aid the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). Addressing a delegation from the All Kashmir Newspaper Society (AKNS), led by its president Sardar Zahid Tabassum, Rathore stated that the most pressing issue for the newly established AJK government was managing the aftermath of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) movement. He emphasized that dialogue was the sole feasible solution to resolve the current conflict.\n\nRathore proposed the establishment of a Truth Commission, as suggested by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, as a means for all parties involved to navigate out of the current crisis. Discussing the election results in Haveli, Rathore pointed out that the constituency's elections had been unnecessarily turned into a contentious matter, unlike the 2026 polls which were among the calmest in the district's history. He recalled that following the 2011 elections, Haveli remained in turmoil for nearly a month with numerous shops destroyed and property damaged. The 2016 and 2021 elections also saw unrest and violence.\n\n\"I have not meddled in the electoral process as Prime Minister,\" Rathore declared. When questioned about allegations of electoral fraud by PML-N candidate Chaudhry Mohsin Aziz, he affirmed that the PPP would respond through all legal and constitutional channels. \"If any candidate has grievances regarding electoral irregularities, they can approach the election tribunal with evidence,\" he added. The prime minister reiterated that the PPP never received a fair chance during the elections and alleged that various strategies were utilized to ensure the PML-N's victory. He claimed that in certain constituencies like Nakyal, Sehnsa, Khuiratta, Charhoi, Kotla, and Khawara, where the PPP had initially won, the results were later altered to indicate defeat. According to Rathore, multiple meetings have taken place between the PPP and PML-N leaderships on electoral matters, with the PML-N guaranteeing that the PPP's complaints would be resolved.\n\nRathore expressed regret over the PML-N's haste in organizing elections for power. He maintained that peace should be secured in the state before holding elections. However, the PML-N insisted on proceeding with the elections and forming the government at all costs, which left AJK grappling with numerous challenges. Responding to a query about his government's performance, Rathore stated that despite holding office for approximately eight months amid financial difficulties, his administration had managed to deliver in governance, education, health, infrastructure, and digital services. The government allocated around Rs7 billion to the Out-of-School Children program and worked towards restoring education and healthcare systems. Major hospital projects and a medical college were initiated, along with several infrastructure and public facility schemes.\n\nIn terms of digital connectivity, Rathore announced the approval of an optical fiber project and policy measures for 5G technology trials in AJK. The government also prioritized expanding IT and digital opportunities for the younger generation, promoting tourism, developing energy and infrastructure projects, and introducing reforms in government institutions.",
  "summary": "Says dialogue and a Truth Commission are needed to address the crisis arising from the JAAC movement",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}