Azad Kashmir: Police arrest IPP candidate Ali Shan Soni in Bhimber

Police in Azad Jammu and Kashmir have arrested Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) candidate Ali Shan Soni following allegations of interference in the electoral process during polling in Bhimber district.

Police in Azad Jammu and Kashmir have arrested Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) candidate Ali Shan Soni following allegations of interference in the electoral process during polling in Bhimber district. Authorities say the arrest was made after reports that ballot boxes were removed from multiple polling stations.

According to Mirpur Commissioner Tahir Mumtaz, Ali Shan Soni, accompanied by several supporters, allegedly removed ballot boxes from four polling stations during the election. The commissioner confirmed the arrest and said legal action was initiated over the alleged disruption of the voting process.

Election officials stated that the incident prompted an immediate response from law enforcement agencies to ensure the integrity of the polling process. Authorities have not released further details regarding the investigation, but officials indicated that the matter will proceed in accordance with the applicable election laws.

Ali Shan Soni was contesting the election from LA-6 Samahni on the ticket of the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party. The constituency witnessed a competitive race, with unofficial election results indicating that Chaudhry Muhammad Razaq secured the lead.

Based on unofficial results from 156 polling stations, Chaudhry Muhammad Razaq received more than 30,000 votes, placing him in first position. Ali Shan Soni was reported to have received 17,974 votes, putting him in second place.

Election-related incidents are closely monitored by authorities to maintain transparency and public confidence in the democratic process. Any allegations of interference, including the unauthorized handling or removal of ballot boxes, are generally subject to investigation under election regulations.

Officials have emphasized that legal proceedings will determine the facts surrounding the incident. No further official statement has been issued regarding the charges or the next stage of the investigation.

The arrest has drawn attention to the importance of safeguarding the electoral process and ensuring that voting is conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner. Election authorities and law enforcement agencies are expected to continue reviewing the incident while maintaining security and order throughout the completion of the electoral process.

As the investigation continues, officials have urged the public to rely on verified information from relevant authorities and await the outcome of the legal proceedings before drawing conclusions about the allegations.