The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) on Monday expressed dissatisfaction with the ongoing electoral process in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, claiming that rigging was being carried out to ensure a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) victory.

Speaking in Lahore on Monday, PPP Punjab General Secretary Syed Hassan Murtaza said the election commission had received nine complaints regarding electoral irregularities, including polling not starting on time, the absence of polling staff and issues involving polling agents.

He said the PPP had always rendered sacrifices for the strengthening of democracy, warning that any derailment of the democratic system would make it difficult to restore.

Murtaza said that criticism of the government was not directed at individuals but was aimed at highlighting public issues and seeking their resolution.

The PPP leader also expressed concern over rising incidents of crimes against women in Lahore.

He referred to the death of two women at Lahore’s Township police station, and called for a transparent investigation into the incident.

He said the reinstatement of police officers after their suspension or dismissal weakened the accountability system.

Murtaza also said the PPP did not want to bring about a change in government through undemocratic means, stressing that any political decision should be taken in accordance with the Constitution and the law.

Commenting on recent political developments, he said President Asif Ali Zardari’s recent visit to Punjab was private in nature, while claiming that internal differences existed within the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).