Chief Election Commissioner of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Justice (R) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal, on Sunday reaffirmed that the elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir will be held according to the announced schedule on July 27, dismissing rumors regarding any possible postponement of the polls.
Speaking to the media in the state metropolis, the Chief Election Commissioner said that rumors roaming about a possible delay in the electoral process are totally baseless and have no factual basis.
He stated that the Election Commission has completed all necessary arrangements and that polling material has already been delivered to the offices of all Returning Officers (ROs).
Justice (Retd.) Mughal further informed that polling for government employees assigned to election duty will be conducted across the region on July 20, Monday, except in Rawalakot and Sudhnoti, where separate arrangements have been made. He added that all logistical preparations for the process have been finalized.
The chief election commissioner said that a comprehensive security plan has been devised to ensure the smooth conduct of the elections. Special security measures have been put in place at sensitive and highly sensitive polling stations across the territory.
According to him, the Pakistan Army, Rangers, and Quick Response Force (QRF) will remain on alert to maintain law and order and support the peaceful conduct of the electoral process.
Reiterating the Election Commission’s commitment, Justice Mughal said that the elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir will be conducted in a free, fair, transparent, and peaceful manner.