LAHORE: Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) Central Punjab General Secretary Syed Hassan Murtaza on Wednesday alleged that an “unprecedented election robbery” was carried out in broad daylight in Azad Kashmir, accusing the Election Commission of playing the role of a “commission agent”.
Addressing a press conference at the People’s Secretariat alongside PPP Punjab Secretary Information Shahzad Saeed Cheema and other party leaders, Hassan Murtaza claimed that the sanctity of votes in Azad Kashmir had been compromised and the situation had now reached a point where the priority was to protect lives.
He alleged that Chaudhry Yasin contested elections from two constituencies and claimed that 30 polling stations in Charhoi were taken hostage during the polling process.
Responding to criticism that the PPP was ‘crying foul’, Hassan Murtaza said those making such remarks should be ashamed, alleging that the party’s mandate was being stolen through elections conducted in phases.
He said the role of the Election Commission in Azad Kashmir was similar to that of a “CCD”, adding that this was why PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was raising issues related to the right to sovereignty, property and employment.
The PPP leader said the party’s government remained in power for six months during which 33 out of 35 demands were accepted, while the remaining two involved the federal government or required constitutional amendments. He said this did not justify rejecting the demand for a Truth Commission.
Hassan Murtaza also criticised government policies, saying the nation was bearing the burden of capacity charges due to wrong decisions. He also expressed concerns over rising petrol prices and the situation regarding flour and wheat.
Replying to media questions, he said the PPP considered Nawaz Sharif a great leader but questioned the decision to appoint him as chairman of a board instead of making him the Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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