AJK election process to formally begin tomorrow, preparations ‘completed’

WEB DESK: The election process in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) will formally begin on Sunday, with authorities declaring all arrangements complete ahead of polling.

Chief Secretary Khushal Khan said polling material has been dispatched to returning officers, while district administrations, the Election Commission and other relevant institutions have finalised preparations.

He said the election campaign has reached its peak across AJK, with political parties holding corner meetings and displaying banners, posters and party flags. Leaders of major federal political parties are also in the region to campaign for their candidates.

Khushal Khan said that police officers from all four provinces will join AJK Police to provide security during the elections.

He expressed confidence that the polls would remain peaceful, noting that AJK has a history of high voter turnout and orderly elections. He said strong public participation is expected as voters prepare to elect their representatives.

The chief secretary also warned that authorities are closely monitoring election-related propaganda on social media, adding that strict action would be taken against anyone attempting to disrupt the electoral process or disturb public order.

He said the people of AJK have reaffirmed their trust in democracy by rejecting disruptive elements, while all state institutions are fully prepared to ensure peaceful elections.

Meanwhile, AJK Election Commission Secretary Raja Shakeel Khan said more than 22,000 election officials have been deployed, while polling material has been delivered to polling stations.

According to the AJK Election Commission, the Chief Election Commissioner also reviewed election arrangements to ensure a transparent polling process, while training of polling staff has been completed.

Secretary Raja Shakeel Khan said security has been placed on high alert, with police, Rangers and the Frontier Constabulary deployed across the region.

He dismissed social media claims of an election boycott, saying old videos were being recirculated to create a misleading impression.

“The power of the people lies in their vote,” he said, adding that political parties and candidates have welcomed the Election Commission’s code of conduct.

He also said citizens themselves are reporting individuals attempting to obstruct the electoral process, while no untoward incidents have been reported during election preparations.