PPP, JUI-F plan AJK coalition after July 27 polls, says Bilawal

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said on Tuesday that the PPP and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) intended to form a coalition government in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) after the July 27 elections.

His remarks came after a meeting in Islamabad with JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, held two days after both parties formally announced an electoral alliance for the elections to the 53-member AJK Legislative Assembly. Under that arrangement, the two sides agreed to support joint candidates in selected constituencies.

Addressing a joint press conference with Fazlur Rehman, Bilawal said the PPP-JUI-F alliance in AJK was the first of its kind and voiced confidence that the two parties would together form the next government after the vote. He also said similar political cooperation could be considered in Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, Sindh and other areas.

AJK protests and mediation efforts

Bilawal also referred to the continuing protests in AJK and said all stakeholders wanted the matter resolved. He said efforts were under way to create conditions that would help address the crisis through peaceful means.

The PPP chairman said he backed Fazlur Rehman’s efforts to mediate and urged the government to support that process as well. He added that political parties often drew on the veteran politician’s experience during difficult situations.

Bilawal further said the upcoming AJK elections should be free, fair and peaceful. He said protest was a democratic right, but stressed that it must remain non-violent.

The AJK government imposed a ban on the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) on June 5 under the Anti-Terrorism Act after violent protests. The restriction was put in place days before the group’s planned June 9 demonstration, which was aimed at seeking the abolition of 12 seats in the AJK assembly reserved for refugees from Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir who migrated to Pakistan after 1947.

Fazl calls for dialogue on refugee seats

Speaking at the same press conference, Fazlur Rehman said protesters had approached him to play a mediating role over their ongoing sit-in. He said Bilawal had supported the initiative in parliament and added that a message was also being conveyed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, expressing hope that the government would respond positively.

The JUI-F chief said the dispute over the 12 refugee seats in AJK should be addressed through talks and settled at the negotiating table.

Fazlur Rehman also said the PPP had offered his party a role in a coalition government in Balochistan. He said he would consult the JUI-F leadership before taking a decision on the matter.