As Azad Jammu and Kashmir gears up for phased elections, the Pakistan People's Party is projecting confidence it will secure a majority, even as it trades sharp criticisms with the ruling PML-N over governance and corruption. The party's leadership has framed the vote as a test of constitutional integrity and public trust. Main Developments PPP-P Secretary General Syed Nayyer Hussain Bukhari asserted Wednesday that his party would win a majority in the upcoming Azad Kashmir assembly elections, enabling it to elect its own prime minister. He credited the PPP with sustaining Pakistan's democratic system by supporting the PML-N government, saying that without that backing, Maryam Nawaz would not have become Punjab's chief minister nor would her uncle have served as prime minister. Bukhari questioned the timing of the elections, noting that PPP had earlier argued for a postponement until law and order improved, while PML-N ministers insisted elections were a constitutional matter and must proceed on schedule. Now that phased elections have been announced, he asked where those same PML-N ministers were who had previously cited the constitution. Read also: Why Pakistan's Opposition Alliance Could Reshape Political Landscape Separately, PPP Central Secretary Information Nadeem Afzal Chan accused Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz of making false allegations against the PPP during a rally in Muzaffarabad. Chan said the PML-N government's incompetence and corruption had pushed Punjab into crisis, with a single day of rain turning roads into ponds and exposing the failure of its development claims. Background The PPP and PML-N have been uneasy coalition partners at the federal level, with the PPP providing crucial support to keep the PML-N-led government in power. This alliance has allowed the PPP to claim credit for maintaining democratic continuity, but tensions have flared repeatedly over governance issues and provincial performance. Bukhari specifically targeted former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, saying he had opened his eyes very late to Kashmir politics and was not even a candidate for migrant seats. He suggested Sharif's newfound interest in Azad Kashmir stemmed from his inability to become Pakistan's prime minister again. Why It Matters The Azad Kashmir elections are a political bellwether for both parties, testing their popularity in a region with significant symbolic and strategic importance for Pakistan. A strong PPP showing could strengthen its bargaining position within the federal coalition, while a PML-N victory would bolster Maryam Nawaz's leadership ahead of the next general election. The public exchange of accusations over corruption and governance failures also highlights the fragility of the alliance, with potential implications for political stability in Islamabad if relations deteriorate further. What's Next Phased polling in Azad Kashmir is expected to proceed as announced, with both parties intensifying their campaigns. The PPP has signaled it will contest vigorously despite its earlier reservations about the law and order situation. The outcome will determine which party forms the next government in the region and whether the federal coalition can withstand the electoral friction.