Islamabad: Former Prime Minister and senior Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Raja Pervez Ashraf addressed a press conference in Islamabad, expressing serious concerns about alleged rigging, violence, and institutional shortcomings during the second phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections. He emphasized that the elections could not be considered free and fair under the current circumstances.

According to Pakistan Peoples Party, Ashraf highlighted that irregularities from various constituencies, including Mirpur, had been reported to the Election Commission with accompanying evidence. He detailed an incident in Mirpur where fake stamps were allegedly cast in a separate room, with voters being intimidated and subjected to violence. The PPP has demanded an immediate inquiry into these claims.

Ashraf also responded to accusations from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) regarding disputed ballot papers, advocating for an impartial recount to ensure transparency. He raised concerns about a pre-polling incident in Nakial, where an FIR was filed against a PPP candidate, and on polling day, a PPP worker was killed, and others injured.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the Chief Election Commissioner, Ashraf questioned the lack of action against electoral irregularities and called for an investigation into incidents of violence and tampering with election materials. He criticized the extension of polling time by one hour, claiming it was unprecedented and could impact the results.

Ashraf announced that the PPP would convene a Central Executive Committee meeting to discuss the electoral situation and the party's future strategy. He warned that assemblies formed on a disputed mandate would not effectively represent the public and called for the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner if electoral complaints continued to be ignored.