Minister of State for Law Barrister Aqeel Malik on Wednesday made it clear that Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections would be held on July 27 as per the Constitution and legal framework, saying the announced schedule would remain unchanged and the electoral process would continue according to law.
While speaking to a local media outlet, he said all political parties have the right to raise their objections and reservations through democratic forums.
He added that Pakistan Muslim League -Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) were allied partners, adding that the government addressed their concerns in Gilgit-Baltistan on priority, adding, the AJK election process has now reached its scheduled stage after the Election Commission of Azad Jammu and Kashmir announced the polling date.
He made it clear that the election schedule would not be changed or adjusted according to anyone’s preference, as the process would proceed under the constitutional and legal framework.
Responding to a query regarding differing views on the AJK elections, he said every political party has the right to present its manifesto and express its position, but all matters must be addressed within the framework of the Constitution, law and established rules.
Responding to another query regarding the 18th Amendment, he said no negotiations have been initiated so far, adding that any legislation or constitutional amendment required broad-based consensus, adding, all political parties would be taken into confidence through the democratic process before any decision is made.
While responding to another question about the budget, he said the government has introduced a relief-oriented budget considering the current challenges.