AJK PM challenges rivals, asserts PPP dominance

MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore on Saturday asserted that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) remained politically stronger than its rivals, saying opponents could compete on social media but not in practical politics.

Addressing a public gathering in Abbaspur, he said there was a clear distinction between “politics on Facebook and politics on the ground,” and challenged rival parties to face the PPP in electoral contests.

He said his government was presenting its performance before the public and would contest the next elections with confidence. He added that despite initial challenges, the administration had worked with a clear vision to strengthen state institutions.

“When I took over, the state was facing serious challenges, but we accepted them and worked with a roadmap,” he said, adding that the government was focused on implementation rather than announcements.

The AJK premier claimed that the PPP had historically played a central role in major development initiatives in the region, including universities, medical colleges and other infrastructure projects. He said governance activity had been revived under his government after a period of stagnation.

He further said the PPP remained “a symbol of the federation” and a key stakeholder in Pakistan’s political system, adding that the party was well positioned in all 33 constituencies ahead of the next elections.

Rathore also said his government had restored public confidence and improved the political environment in the region, claiming strong public support across AJK.

Expressing confidence in the party’s electoral prospects, he said the PPP would return to power with greater strength in the upcoming elections.

He also praised Pakistan’s armed forces and said the country had gained international respect, adding that the resolution of the Kashmir issue would come in due course.