The Election Commission of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) reiterated on Sunday that the general elections will proceed as planned on July 27, firmly rejecting any speculation about postponement. The commission emphasized that the polling schedule, announced on June 5, complies fully with constitutional mandates and the tenure of the AJK Assembly.
A spokesperson for the commission dismissed claims that the election timetable was politically motivated, labeling such rumors as unfounded. The commission underscored its constitutional duty to conduct free, fair, and transparent elections within the stipulated timeframe.
This clarification came in response to remarks by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, who stated that his party had requested the Election Commission to retract what he described as a “premature” election schedule. Bilawal emphasized the PPP’s commitment to pursuing a political resolution in the region, including plans to establish a Truth and Reconciliation Commission aimed at addressing outstanding grievances and achieving a just settlement.
In a related development, the AJK government recently designated the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) as a banned organization under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA). The ban, imposed on June 5, came just days before JAAC’s planned protest on June 9, which sought the removal of 12 assembly seats reserved for refugees from Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) who migrated to Pakistan after 1947.
Meanwhile, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry clarified that the PPP had not consulted the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) regarding any postponement of the AJK elections. Speaking to the media, Chaudhry affirmed that the election schedule was not issued arbitrarily and highlighted the constitutional requirement for elections to be held before August 4. He noted that the current assembly took oath on August 3, making July 27 the legitimate polling date.
Chaudhry also mentioned that while the deadline for nomination paper submissions could be extended if necessary, his party was committed to holding elections on time as a means to resolve ongoing issues in the region. He described the situation in Mirpur and Muzaffarabad divisions as stable, with unrest largely limited to Rawalakot. Expressing sorrow over recent casualties in Rawalakot, Chaudhry urged protesters to end their sit-ins and demonstrations to restore peace.
