Sharjeel Memon alleges coercion in AJK election campaign

KARACHI: Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon on Monday accused the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) of trying to influence the Azad Jammu and Kashmir election through intimidation and coercion, and warned the party to rein in its workers.

In a statement, Memon said the PML-N was using what he called strong-arm tactics to affect the electoral process. He said his party would resist any attempt to manipulate the vote, adding, "The party should control its hooligans. We will not allow elections in Kashmir to be stolen through force."

He also alleged that the PML-N leadership believed voters could be swayed through inducements, saying it was acting as though "everyone can be bought." Memon further claimed that activists linked to the party had killed a PPP worker, describing the incident as part of what he called the PML-N's "fascist behaviour."

Memon also criticised the Election Commission for not acting over what he described as an open display of weapons by PML-N candidates during the election campaign.