ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari visited the family of slain party worker Mukhtar Younis to offer condolences following his death during the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections. During the visit, Bilawal alleged that the worker was killed in firing by supporters of a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) candidate.
Speaking to the bereaved family, Bilawal expressed deep sorrow over the incident and questioned the response of the relevant authorities. He said that if action had been taken after a video showing alleged firing surfaced two days earlier, the tragic loss of life might have been prevented.
According to Bilawal, Mukhtar Younis was actively campaigning for PPP candidate Javed Budhanvi during the election campaign. He claimed that political rivals allegedly resorted to violence after sensing defeat in the constituency. He urged the concerned institutions to investigate the incident thoroughly and ensure accountability.
The PPP chairman also raised questions about the role of the Election Commission. He said the electoral process should remain peaceful and that authorities must respond quickly to reports of violence during elections. He stressed that timely action is essential to protect voters, political workers, and the democratic process.
Meanwhile, PPP Vice President Senator Sherry Rehman strongly condemned the killing of Mukhtar Younis. She also expressed concern over injuries suffered by two other PPP workers during polling in Nikyal. She described the incident as deeply tragic and called for immediate action against those responsible.
Rehman alleged that an atmosphere of fear and intimidation had developed in the constituency before polling day. She claimed that several incidents of violence had been reported in recent days but no effective action was taken. She urged the Election Commission to take immediate notice of the matter.
She demanded the arrest of those involved in the attack and called for a transparent investigation. Rehman also urged authorities to ensure strict legal action against anyone found responsible. She said political rivalry should never lead to violence and those involved should be treated equally under the law.
The PPP leader further demanded re-polling at several polling stations in LA-8 Kotli-I (Raj Mahal). She alleged serious irregularities during the voting process and claimed that a PPP polling agent had been held hostage. Complaints were also reported from polling stations 76, 77, 79, and 91 to 94.
Rehman called on the authorities to deploy additional police and security personnel to maintain law and order. She said growing crowds required stronger security arrangements to ensure voters could cast their ballots without fear or pressure.
She also stressed the need for impartial investigations into all complaints received during polling. According to her, restoring public confidence in the election results depends on a transparent and fair electoral process. She urged the Election Commission to intervene without delay and ensure that all allegations are properly examined.
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The incident has drawn significant political attention, with PPP leaders demanding accountability and greater protection for political workers. Authorities have yet to announce the outcome of the investigation as calls continue for a fair and transparent inquiry into the violence during the AJK elections.
