PPP failed to deliver a development or governance model during 17 years’ rule
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has strongly rejected the Pakistan People’s Party’s allegations of election rigging in the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir local elections, accusing the party of hypocrisy over its claims.
In a statement, Maryam Nawaz said the PPP, which she described as being experienced in electoral manipulation, was now “crying foul” over alleged rigging. In a sarcastic remark, she asked, “What time is Doomsday?”, mocking the party’s accusations.
She questioned whether the same allegations of rigging were raised when the PPP emerged victorious in the Gilgit-Baltistan elections. Maryam Nawaz said the public had witnessed the election campaigns of all political parties, claiming that PPP rallies drew little public participation, while the Pakistan Muslim League-N received strong public support. The chief minister said the PPP should focus on evaluating its own political performance instead of blaming others. She argued that the party had neither a notable record of governance to present to voters nor a clear vision for the future. Despite ruling Sindh for nearly 17 years, she said, the PPP had failed to deliver a development or governance model that could serve as an example for the rest of the country. Maryam Nawaz further claimed that voters in AJK compared not only political rallies but also the performance of competing parties. According to her, residents repeatedly expressed a desire for infrastructure, healthcare, and public transport similar to that available in Punjab.
She said the electorate placed its trust in the PML-N based on its governance record. She urged the PPP to concentrate on ad-dressing the challenges facing Sindh, conduct an honest review of its govern-ance, and reflect on why voters had not supported the party.
Expressing gratitude over the first-phase election results, Maryam Nawaz thanked God for what she described as the PML-N’s significant victory in the Mirpur Division. She said the people of Mirpur, Kotli, and Bhimber had demonstrated their support for development, public service, and a better future, while also reaffirming their confidence in the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
