MUZAFFARABAD: The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) have agreed to forge an electoral alliance for the 2026 elections, leaders of the two parties announced on Friday.

Under the arrangement, the PPP will support JUI-F candidates in Pallandri and Dhirkot constituencies, while the JUI-F will back PPP nominees in the remaining constituencies across AJK.

The understanding was reached during a meeting at Jammu Kashmir House in the federal capital. It was attended by AJK Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, PPP AJK president Chaudhry Mohammad Yasin and some other leaders on behalf of the PPP, while the JUI-F delegation was led by its AJK chief Maulana Saeed Yousaf and included Maulana Imtiaz Abbasi and some others.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Rathore described Maulana Fazlur Rehman as a leader of “political wisdom and foresight,” and said the JUI-F had always played a role in promoting democratic tolerance.

He said the formal announcement of the alliance would be made during the forthcoming visit of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

“This alliance will prove beneficial for both parties and bring a positive change to the region’s politics,” he said.

Maulana Yousaf said unity among political forces was essential for ensuring public welfare and political stability.

He said the alliance would strengthen public support for both parties, particularly in Pallandri and Dhirkot, and help pave the way for a stable government after the elections.

Published in Dawn, May 9th, 2026