BY: ANI Correspondent:
ISLAMABAD—Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Vice President Senator Sherry Rehman has strongly reacted to criticism by PML-N leadership against PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, alleging that declaring a disputed electoral victory as a public mandate was “ridiculous.”
In a statement, Sherry Rehman said allegations of electoral irregularities were being raised not only by the PPP but also by sections of the media. She claimed that the announcement of a PML-N candidate’s victory was made before the Presiding Officer had reached the Returning Officer with the official results.
She said those criticizing Bilawal Bhutto Zardari should first review the conduct of their own political leadership, alleging that former prime minister Nawaz Sharif had failed to demonstrate political tolerance despite holding power multiple times.
Sherry Rehman alleged that a politics of hatred was being used to divide the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, adding that PPP worker Mukhtar Younis was present at the polling station to protect the public mandate.
She further claimed that violence, firing and intimidation before elections created fear among voters and said that transparent investigations would reveal the facts behind the alleged electoral irregularities.
Reiterating the PPP’s position, she said the party would continue to defend the people’s vote, adding that “Azad Kashmir belonged to PPP and would remain so,” while expressing confidence in regaining seats in Mirpur and securing public support in Muzaffarabad.
