Bilawal warns ‘countdown’ will begin for federal government if it steals AJK election

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has issued a stark warning to the federal government, stating that if the election in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) is stolen, a “countdown” will begin for it. The statement was made during a rally in Muzaffarabad ahead of the August 2 elections, as reported by Dawn.

“The PML-N thinks that after its defeat in Gilgit-Baltistan, a defeat in AJK would mean a countdown begins for its government,” Bilawal said, according to the report. “But this is a misconception.” He added, “If you steal [the election] … write it down, take my guarantee, that a countdown will start for your federal government.” Warning further, he said, “If you steal my mandate, I will come for your throne.”

The PPP chairman also addressed the PTI, urging it to “start doing politics” and leave behind “boycott politics.” He criticized the approach of boycotting elections, Parliament, and committees, saying, “Boycotting elections, boycotting Parliament, boycotting committees, boycotting your work, boycotting struggle — if you want to boycott, you might as well just sit at home.” He extended an invitation to PTI workers and “serious politicians,” saying, “Today I extend my hand towards PTI’s workers, towards its serious politicians. To every political party that is tired of rigging, to every political worker who wants to make their own decision, come and join your hand with mine.”

Bilawal expressed hope that together with all political parties, they could bring about parliamentary reforms and ensure fair elections in Kashmir and across Pakistan, reiterating his readiness to work with all parties on that agenda.

Coverage Comparison

Dawn’s coverage of the event has consistently highlighted Bilawal’s confrontational tone towards the PML-N, particularly focusing on his warnings about the election being stolen. The reports also detail his calls for the PTI to participate in electoral politics rather than boycott, and his broader appeal for parliamentary reforms.

In a subsequent development, Bilawal reiterated his warning in a series of video messages shared on X, as reported by Dawn. In these messages, he declared that his party’s “movement” for people’s rights would extend beyond Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan to the entire country. He said, “This movement will not remain restricted to the mountains of Kashmir or Gilgit-Baltistan. God-willing, I will run this movement across the entire Pakistan.” He also addressed the PML-N directly: “And my message for the friends in PML-N is just this: you can hear those voices, listen carefully, tick tock, tick tock. Your countdown has begun.”

Key Claims

  • Election warning: Bilawal warned that a stolen election in AJK would start a “countdown” for the federal government, as reported by Dawn.
  • Rally in Muzaffarabad: He made the remarks while addressing a rally in Muzaffarabad ahead of the August 2 elections.
  • Appeal to PTI: He called on the PTI to abandon boycott politics and instead engage in electoral politics, extending an invitation to PTI workers.
  • Parliamentary reforms: He expressed hope to work with all political parties to bring about parliamentary reforms and ensure fair elections.
  • PML-N promises: He welcomed the PML-N’s promise to give Kashmir buses, but also noted that the CMH Flyover project in AJK was not completed in five years.
  • War of words: The PPP and the PML-N have been engaged in a war of words since the latter emerged in the lead in Mirpur polls on July 25.
  • Election results: The PML-N has won the majority of seats in the second phase, with the PPP accusing it of rigging and other violent tactics.
  • Election Commission concerns: The AJK Election Commission has hinted that polling in Rawalakot and Tharor might not take place due to law and order concerns, as reported by Dawn.