Notwithstanding how vociferously it may be criticised, the practice of rigging has always infiltrated polls in Pakistan in one form or the other. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership is one of the most vehement critics of this ‘stealing (of) the elections’, frequently raising concerns regarding the credibility of the mandate. In what appears to be the latest episode of backlash against dubious voting, PTI has released a white paper on the alleged rigging in the recent Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) polls, demanding a re-election free of federal influence. The party’s AJK president, Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry, also elaborated on the rampant nepotism present in the region, which helped in facilitating those involved in the practice. It is high time that the administration cleared the air on all rigging allegations to establish the credibility of its vote bank. The incumbent government has been at loggerheads with the opposition, especially PTI, over the transparency issue since the 2013 general elections. However, the present arrangements are not of much help in keeping polls free of rigging and, hence, require the introduction of latest technology for casting of votes. Electronic voting machines and biometric verification are some of the methods that could be employed to enable transparent elections. On top of countering the high prevalence of bogus votes, they would also minimise the impact of post-election rigging. The monstrosity of institutionalised rigging, which is said to nullify the mandate every election, must be removed before the next elections. The Election Commission of Pakistan should also expedite the process by upgrading its criteria for scrutinising the nomination papers of election candidates. Although holding free and fair elections is critically important to strengthen democracy in the country, the political elite cannot just remain embroiled in mere discussions about the issue. At present, the country is facing a myriad of social and economic challenges, which require a unified response. Pakistan’s development and security are both at high stakes and, hence need its administration to table successful legislations. The on-going atrocities and the volatile environment in the Indian-occupied Kashmir further exacerbate the impact of a continuous tussle between political parties in Pakistan. How can Pakistan claim to aspire for its accession of a united Kashmir if it is still struggling to keep control over the affairs of AJK? By implementing local developmental schemes and establishing internal harmony, the present government should have long painted a picture of prosperity in AJK before the world. Not only would it have laid down a clear comparison with the dismal state of affairs in the Indian-occupied Kashmir, but also gained support for the Kashmir cause at a grassroots level. In order to partake in a stable and effective democracy, all political leaders should strive to overlook their personal gains and shun shrewd practices that impede the progress of Pakistan. *