Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has alleged that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is seeking a constitutional amendment to enable three-time former prime minister Nawaz Sharif to become the prime minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
Mirpur, Azad Jammu and Kashmir – Web Desk: Addressing a public rally in LA-3 Mirpur City ahead of the upcoming AJK Legislative Assembly elections, Bilawal claimed the PML-N intended to amend the constitutional framework to allow Pakistan’s prime minister to appoint the AJK premier.
“They want a citizen of Raiwind, who has already served three terms as Pakistan’s prime minister, to become the prime minister of AJK as well,” Bilawal said.
His remarks came a day after PML-N President Nawaz Sharif jokingly remarked that he would ask Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to appoint him as AJK prime minister if the party secured victory in the regional elections.
Bilawal described the upcoming AJK elections as one of the most significant in the region’s history, saying the future of Azad Kashmir depended on the outcome. He urged voters to support the PPP, pledging to secure greater rights for the people of AJK.
Highlighting the PPP’s constitutional legacy, Bilawal credited former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto for introducing Pakistan’s consensus Constitution and President Asif Ali Zardari for strengthening provincial autonomy through the 18th Constitutional Amendment.
The PPP chairman also called for the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to address ongoing unrest in AJK and criticized the suspension of internet and mobile services, saying ordinary citizens were bearing the consequences.
Responding to recent criticism from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Bilawal dismissed the PML-N’s development narrative, arguing that the party focused disproportionately on Raiwind while overlooking the needs of other regions, including Cholistan, Pothohar, Rajanpur, Vehari, and Dera Ghazi Khan.
The AJK Legislative Assembly elections are scheduled to take place in three phases beginning July 27, followed by polling in Muzaffarabad Division on August 2 and Poonch Division on August 10.
