AJK Election Commission Reviews Preparations For Upcoming Polls

The meeting was attended by Member Election Commission Syed Nazir-ul-Hassan Gilani, Secretary Election Commission Raja Shakeel Khan, District Returning Officers from all 33 constituencies of AJK, and Returning Officers from the 12 refugee constituencies. Election Commissioners Raja Rashid Mahmood and Ms. Naveeda Gilani, Assistant Election Commissioner Raja Nasir, Assistant Director Information Khawaja Imran-ul-Haq, and Raja Mukhtiar also participated in the session.

During the meeting, participants discussed various administrative and legal matters relating to the conduct of the forthcoming elections. Addressing the gathering, Chief Election Commissioner Justice (R) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal emphasized that all necessary measures would be taken to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections.

He expressed pride in the judiciary of both Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, describing it as the face of the state and the institution that enjoys the highest level of public trust. Recalling the 2016 AJK elections, he stated that they were among the most transparent elections in the region’s history, receiving praise from prominent Pakistani journalists and facing no objections from any political party.

Justice Mughal stressed the strict implementation of the Election Code of Conduct, stating that no compromise would be tolerated regardless of a candidate’s political affiliation. He urged all election officials to perform their duties with honesty, impartiality, and dedication, in accordance with the principles laid down by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who emphasized that government officials must act strictly according to the law without regard to who comes into or leaves power.

He noted that the first phase of the electoral process—preparation of transparent voter lists—had been completed successfully. The next crucial phase, he said, would be the preparation of fair and transparent polling schemes. He also highlighted the importance of transparent appointments of Presiding Officers and proper safeguarding of polling station results.

The Chief Election Commissioner informed participants that training programs would be organized for election officials in line with a judgment of the Supreme Court of Azad Kashmir, which emphasized the need for professional training of election personnel. He further announced that District Returning Officers and Returning Officers facing staff shortages would be allowed to recruit temporary staff on merit during the election period.

Addressing security concerns, Justice Mughal stated that the Army and Rangers would be deployed on polling day to ensure peaceful conduct of elections and secure management of polling stations, particularly in refugee constituencies where complaints are often reported.

Speaking on the occasion, Member Election Commission Syed Nazir-ul-Hassan Gilani said it was an honor to address officers responsible for delivering justice to the people. He remarked that despite declining public confidence in many institutions, the judiciary and defense institutions continue to enjoy the trust of the public. He noted that elections are conducted under judicial supervision because of the judiciary’s reputation for impartiality and transparency.

District Returning Officer Raja Faisal stated that the meeting reflected the Election Commission’s readiness to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities. He reaffirmed the commitment of election officials to conduct transparent elections and uphold the confidence placed in them by the Election Commission.

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Secretary Election Commission Raja Shakeel Khan said that discussions had already been held with the administration to ensure adequate security for District Returning Officers and Returning Officers. He added that all necessary arrangements would be made to facilitate the smooth conduct of the electoral process.

The meeting concluded with District Returning Officers and Returning Officers presenting various legal and administrative recommendations aimed at ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections across Azad Jammu and Kashmir.