Senior Sindh Minister and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Sharjeel Inam Memon on Monday rejected the results of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections, alleging widespread rigging and accusing the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), the federal government and the Election Commission of colluding to deprive his party of victory.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Memon claimed the election followed the pattern of the 2024 general elections, describing it as a “Form 47 Plus” operation that undermined the mandate of the Kashmiri people.

He said the AJK polls were of critical importance for the PPP, but alleged that the party was defeated through coordinated efforts involving the federal government, the Punjab government, the Election Commission and the PML-N.

Memon said the ruling party should have prioritised the interests of the people of Kashmir over political gains, adding that the PPP would continue challenging the election results and the alleged irregularities “until the last stage.”

He further alleged that the Election Commission had acted as a facilitator for the PML-N rather than as an impartial institution.

Referring to the postponement of polling in LA-27, Memon claimed the Election Commission cited rainfall despite what he described as clear weather.

He alleged the electoral body failed to deliver polling materials on time and said it should explain the reasons if it was unable to conduct the process as scheduled.

The PPP leader also alleged that one party worker was shot dead during the election process, while a PPP member of the National Assembly came under gunfire.

He further claimed that supporters of the PML-N attacked the president of AJK, but no arrests were made despite complaints.

Memon alleged the AJK chief secretary and inspector general of police, appointed by the federal government, remained under Islamabad’s influence, while the AJK prime minister appeared powerless. He also claimed the AJK president was not provided adequate security.

Memon alleged that PPP leader Nayyar Bukhari had presented pre-stamped ballot papers before the media and claimed ballot papers had been provided to PML-N candidates two days before polling. He further alleged ballot papers were openly stamped in Lahore and Sialkot.

PPP AJK leader Chaudhry Yasin also questioned the credibility of the election process, alleging polling agents were locked inside rooms while fake stamping of ballot papers took place.

He claimed security was not provided despite repeated requests to the relevant authorities and alleged that nearly 90% voter turnout was recorded at around 40% of polling stations, describing it as highly unusual.

Yasin also alleged that polling agents were assaulted and criticised authorities for abandoning an earlier proposal to hold elections in phases due to security concerns.

The PML-N, the Election Commission and other relevant authorities had not issued any official response to the allegations at the time of filing this report.