Sherry Rehman flags polling delays, security lapses in AJK

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Senator Sherry Rehman has voiced concern over delays in polling at several constituencies in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), saying the disruption has caused significant hardship for voters and raised serious questions about election management.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Rehman said delayed arrival of election staff had affected the voting process at a number of polling stations, preventing many voters from casting their ballots on time.

She identified constituencies LA-28, LA-31, LA-25 and LA-34 among the areas where polling was reportedly delayed, calling on the Election Commission to immediately investigate the matter and ensure that the electoral process proceeds without further disruption.

The PPP leader also expressed concern over security arrangements at a women’s polling station in Shark Kamal Bandi in LA-31, claiming that only one police officer had been deployed despite the polling station having previously been declared sensitive.

According to Rehman, inadequate security at such locations could undermine voter confidence and create unnecessary challenges for women participating in the electoral process.

She further highlighted transportation problems affecting voters in the region. Rehman said the road connecting Rangla to Katkair had remained blocked since Saturday night, leaving more than 50 vehicles carrying voters stranded and preventing many people from reaching their designated polling stations.

The senator said these issues had been formally reported to the Election Commission, urging the electoral body to conduct an immediate inquiry into the reported irregularities and take prompt corrective measures wherever necessary.

“Every voter must be given the opportunity to exercise their democratic right without obstacles,” she said, emphasizing that transparent, impartial and well-managed elections are essential for strengthening democratic institutions.

Rehman maintained that any compromise on the sanctity of the vote would be unacceptable and stressed the need for election authorities to ensure equal access to polling facilities for all eligible voters.

Her remarks come amid ongoing polling across Azad Jammu and Kashmir, where election authorities have been working to address logistical and weather-related challenges in some areas. The Election Commission has yet to issue a detailed response to the specific concerns raised by the PPP senator, while voting continues in constituencies where polling arrangements remain unaffected.