ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) have announced a political alliance to jointly contest upcoming elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, agreeing to support each other’s candidates in selected constituencies.
The announcement was made during a joint press conference in Islamabad by PPP Azad Kashmir President Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin and JUI Azad Kashmir leader Maulana Saeed Yousuf.
Chaudhry Yasin described the development as a “historic moment” in the region’s politics, stating that both parties would cooperate in the electoral process and coordinate their campaigns across multiple constituencies.
Under the agreement, JUI candidates will contest from LA-14 (Dhirkot) and LA-23, while the PPP will extend its support in those seats. In return, JUI candidates will withdraw in certain constituencies and actively campaign in favor of PPP nominees.
Maulana Saeed Yousuf said the alliance would prove beneficial for the region and confirmed that some candidates have already stepped aside in favor of the arrangement. He also expressed gratitude to PPP leadership, including Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, for supporting the agreement.
On the occasion, PPP candidate Nabila Ayyub from Palandri announced her withdrawal in favor of Maulana Saeed Yousuf, stating that although she considered herself a strong contender, she respected the party’s decision and would support him in the election campaign.
The alliance is being viewed as a strategic seat-adjustment arrangement aimed at consolidating votes and strengthening both parties’ positions in the upcoming polls in Azad Kashmir.
