Nawaz Sharif Urges Political Rivals to Avoid Animosity

PML-N supremo and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif has called on political rivals to ensure election differences do not evolve into personal animosity. Speaking at a party convention in Murree on Saturday, the PML-N president reflected on political conduct during electoral contests, pointing out that while intense competition is a standard feature of democratic polls, it should not produce permanent hatred among political factions.

According to Dawn Pakistan, the former premier's statements appear to directly reference the deepening friction between the ruling PML-N and its key coalition partner, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), at the federal level. Addressing the gathering, Nawaz noted that recent grievances expressed by the PPP leadership were "upsetting," though he maintained that his party has consistently sought to preserve positive relations with political adversaries.

The PML-N chief also focused on the recent elections held in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). Nawaz congratulated all the winning candidates from the AJK electoral contest while extending commiserations to the losing contenders. He reiterated that while differences among candidates are common during election periods, political opponents must guard against turning democratic disagreements into hostility.

These regional elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir are being conducted across three division-wise phases. The voting is taking place amid sustained public tensions, marked by ongoing clashes and standoffs between local protesters and government authorities that have persisted for more than two months.