Key Takeaways
- The second phase of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections began on Sunday.
- PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari accused the PML-N of vote-rigging.
- A PPP worker was killed in LA-31 constituency, prompting immediate action from AJK PM.
The second phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections commenced on Sunday morning, with polling taking place in nine constituencies of Muzaffarabad division and all 12 refugee constituencies. The voting process began at 8am and is expected to continue until 5pm.
Over 300 candidates are vying for seats across the region, including five seats up for grabs in Muzaffarabad district, two each in Neelum and Jhelum Valley, and 12 refugee seats distributed among different provinces. The first phase of polls was held on July 27 in Mirpur division, with the third phase scheduled for August 10 across Poonch division.
In a significant development, PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari accused the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) of 'robbing' votes during the second phase of the AJK elections. He alleged that 'miscreant elements of the PML-N' were behind an attack on Chaudhry Latif Akbar, who is the candidate for LA-31 (Muzaffarabad-V).
Bilawal also stated that PPP worker Mushtaq Shah was killed in the same constituency. He demanded immediate arrest of those responsible for the attack and the 'murderers' of the party worker. The PPP shared a complaint with the Election Commission regarding a 'physical assault' on Akbar, who was engaged in the electoral process on polling day.
The AJK Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, also from the PPP, took notice of the incident and ordered the chief secretary and police chief to take those responsible to justice. He termed the attack as a 'slap on the politics of dignity and principle in Kashmir'.
Ahead of today’s elections, internet services were restored in parts of Muzaffarabad division after being suspended for 54 days since July 29. The Chief Election Commissioner Ghulam Mustafa Mughal stated that a letter had been sent to request the restoration of internet services and added that the outcome would be known on Sunday without providing further details.
The AJK elections are being held in three phases due to security concerns, with the first set of polls already completed. The second phase is currently underway, and the third phase will take place across Poonch division.
'The PML-N is robbing the votes of the people of Azad Kashmir through bullets, batons and coercion.'
Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, PPP Chairperson
'We will work according to the law; we will not come under pressure from anyone.'
Ghulam Mustafa Mughal, AJK Chief Election Commissioner
