Punjab Information Minister Uzma Bukhari has said that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) secured victory in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections because of its record of public service and governance.
Addressing a press conference in Lahore, she stated that the people of AJK voted for the party after evaluating its performance, adding that PML-N has always focused on public welfare, development and service.
The minister said that women participated enthusiastically in the AJK elections and claimed that many female voters supported PML-N after being influenced by the performance of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
Azma said that the development initiatives undertaken by the Punjab government have also earned the appreciation of people in Azad Kashmir, who view the province's progress positively.
Criticising the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Bukhari said the party had remained in power for 18 years but had failed to present any meaningful record of achievements before the public. She argued that a political party's inability to highlight its own performance reflects political failure.
Responding to allegations of election rigging raised by opposition parties, the provincial information minister maintained that no formal complaints had been submitted to the Election Commission and that the accusations were being made only through the media. She added that allegations of rigging are routinely made by parties after losing elections.
Commenting on recent statements by PPP leaders, Bukhari urged political figures to adopt a serious and responsible tone in public discourse.
She said that if any genuine issue is raised, it would receive an appropriate response at the leadership level.