Maryam asks PPP to accept AJK poll setback after PML-N gains

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Tuesday praised the PML-N’s performance in the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections and called on the Pakistan Peoples Party to accept the outcome in the spirit of democracy.

In a televised address, she described the result as an “outstanding victory” for her party and expressed displeasure at the language used by PPP leaders after the polls. Maryam said, “The PPP should have accepted its defeat by affirming the spirit of democracy, but I felt aggrieved by the kind of words used by PPP leaders.”

Responding to allegations raised by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, she said election outcomes were determined by voters rather than the state. “The state does not decide election results; only the people make this decision,” she said.

Maryam also referred to the Gilgit-Baltistan elections, saying the PML-N had acknowledged the PPP’s majority there, congratulated the party and allowed it the opportunity to form the government.