Why PML-N Lost in AJK? Who’s Responsible? What to do Next?

Though the results of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections are in line with the traditional pattern, yet they’re very much surprising or in other words, shocking for the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N). It goes without saying that Maryam Nawaz did massive rallies in AJK and throughout her campaign, she kept the party workers’ morale high.

If we compare the size of public gatherings of the PML-N, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) during AJK elections, the Nawaz Sharif party is undoubtedly at No.1 position. Maryam Nawaz’s spirited campaign, fiery speeches, and the public’s overwhelming response made the party hopeful of sweeping the polls. The results however were not only surprising but more than that disappointing and the PPP winning 16 seats was even more stunning.

Read more: Nawaz Sharif : Subha Ka Bhula

Before we analyze and see what actually happened, let’s have a look at the recent history of the AJK elections.

It is said that the ruling party in Islamabad forms a government in AJK. In 2011 PPP was in power in Islamabad and it formed the AJK government by winning 21 seats. Likewise, the PML-N was the incumbent party in 2016 and it swept the AJK general elections by securing 31 seats. So according to the pattern it is now the PTI that is going to form government in AJK. Historically there is nothing wrong with the AJK elections and their result but the PML-N is not ready to accept whatever happened and the party stalwarts in a news conference have already announced to launch a campaign against what they call ‘managed elections’. They alleged that the AJK elections were stolen to serve an international agenda.

Apparently, nothing unusual happened in AJK except the dirtiest electioneering in which allegations to the level of Modi ka Yar, Kashmir Farosh were hurled on opponents without even thinking that the Kashmiri generations will have to bear the brunt of whatever hatred we are sowing now.

Let bygones be bygones. The time has come for the PML-N to sit together for introspection to see what would be the future course. Let the workers know your Bayanya. Don’t say there is no rift within the party, prove it. Explain why Shahbaz Sharif did not speak over AJK’s defeat. And why Maryam Nawaz is on silent mode once again?

These are some of the basic questions that all PML-N voters and supporters are asking. Better quit this good cop, bad cop game and go ahead with a clear-headed approach or remember confusion will always benefit your opponents.