Schedule for 3rd phase of AJK polls revised over law and order concerns

The Election Commission of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has revised the schedule for the third phase of elections in the region, citing law and order concerns. Polling will only take place in Bagh and Haveli districts of Poonch Division on August 10, according to a press release from the Commission. The Commission reviewed the current situation and received requests from political figures in the affected districts to postpone the elections.

This decision comes after clashes between protesters and law enforcement personnel in Rawalakot, a district within Poonch, which resulted in casualties. The unrest has been ongoing since early June, with the JAAC demanding the abolition of 12 seats in the local legislature reserved for refugees from Indian-held Kashmir. The Commission emphasized that the decision was made to ensure free, fair, transparent, and peaceful elections.

AJK Chief Election Commissioner Ghulam Mustafa Mughal stated that the current Legislative Assembly will still take oath after the completion of the August 10 polls, even if elections are not held in a few constituencies.