Rana Sanaullah calls AJK polls free and fair

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has defended the first phase of the Azad

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has defended the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections. He described the polling process as peaceful, free, fair and credible.

Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Sanaullah said voters had exercised their democratic right across 13 constituencies of Mirpur Division on July 27.

According to unofficial results, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) won nine seats. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) secured four seats.

Sanaullah congratulated the winning candidates. He also praised the Election Commission, AJK administration and security agencies for managing the election process.

He said the polls were held despite a challenging security situation. He added that the authorities took steps to maintain law and order throughout polling.

The prime minister’s aide urged opposition parties to respect the voters’ decision. However, he said they were free to challenge any alleged irregularities through constitutional and legal channels.

Sanaullah said complaints regarding the election would be examined by the relevant authorities. He stressed that political parties should use legal forums instead of creating political tensions.

He also said polling hours were extended by one hour. The extension was given to facilitate voters and allow more people to cast their ballots. He estimated voter turnout at between 40 and 60 per cent.

Sanaullah said the election was largely peaceful. However, a serious incident occurred in LA-9 Nakyal. A dispute between members of the same family reportedly turned violent because of political differences.

One person was killed and another was injured in the incident. Police arrested several suspects in connection with the shooting.

Sanaullah also mentioned the killing of PML-N leader Malik Ashiq. He was shot during an election rally in Kotli on July 11.

The government official further claimed that a candidate from LA-6 and members of his campaign team attempted to take ballot boxes after polling. He said the suspects were arrested and a case was registered.

Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam also addressed the press conference. He said the PML-N’s performance showed strong public support for the party.

Muqam said the party would work to fulfil the promises made during its election campaign.

Sanaullah attributed the PML-N’s success to teamwork and its political leadership. He also said development initiatives in Punjab had contributed to the party’s electoral performance.

The election results have triggered political exchanges between the PML-N and PPP. The PPP has raised allegations of irregularities and accused the government of influencing the election process.

The PML-N has rejected the allegations. It has also accused political opponents of attempting to manipulate the electoral process.

The Election Commission has said that violations of electoral rules will be dealt with under the law.

The AJK elections are being conducted in three phases. The first phase covered 13 constituencies in Mirpur Division.

The second phase is scheduled for August 2. It will cover Muzaffarabad Division and refugee constituencies.

The final phase will be held in Poonch Division on August 10.

Sanaullah said the government was ready to address genuine complaints. He maintained that political parties should follow constitutional procedures while challenging election results.