The result

Outrightly refusing the results of the recently held Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections, the opposition leaders have, unintentionally, painted a negative image of Pakistan. The accusations of rigging may have devastating effects on the country’s stand on the Kashmir issue. The opposition has raised questions over the credibility and fairness of apex institutions. These politicians, however, didn’t produce any evidence to back their claims. All pre-election surveys had predicted that the PTI was likely to win.

However, it is a common phenomenon in Pakistan’s politics that a party which loses the election accuses the winning party of rigging the elections. In 2013, the PTI did the same when it lost the elections. It is time political parties learned to accept their defeat gracefully and stopped challenging the integrity of the relevant authorities.

Dr Najeeb A Khan

Seattle, USA

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In the last three years, Pakistan has witnessed extreme levels of unemployment, corruption and inflation. All of this is happening under the PTI-led government. People from the middle class are unable to afford meals for their children.

Under these circumstances, the PTI’s victory in the AJK polls is a big surprise for many Pakistanis.

Engr Asim Nawab

Islamabad