AJK Chief Election Commissioner Chairs High-Level Meeting on Upcoming Elections

The meeting was attended by Member Election Commission Syed Nazeer-ul-Hassan Gilani, Secretary Election Commission Raja Shakeel Khan, District Returning Officers of 33 constituencies of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Returning Officers of 12 constituencies for refugees. Other participants included Election Commissioner Raja Rashid Mahmood, Election Commissioner Ms. Naveeda Gilani, Assistant Election Commissioner Raja Nasir, Assistant Director Information Khawaja Imran-ul-Haq, and Supervisor Raja Mukhtar.

The meeting discussed administrative and legal matters regarding arrangements for the upcoming elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing the meeting, Chief Election Commissioner Justice (R) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal said that all necessary steps would be ensured to conduct free, fair, and transparent elections. He said he takes pride in the judiciary of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan, calling it the face of the state. He added that the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir have the greatest trust in the judiciary.

He noted that the 2016 elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir were the most transparent in the region’s history, and no political party raised objections. He said that well-known journalists from Pakistan personally called him to congratulate him after those elections.

He emphasized strict implementation of the Code of Conduct without compromise, regardless of the candidate’s political affiliation. He added that he considered it an honor to address the officers after a long time and recalled emotionally concluding the last election process.

He said that public trust in the judiciary is strong and people cannot approach others for influence or favoritism. He described officers as the “face and pride” of the state.

Referring to the electoral process, he said that the first phase of preparing transparent voter lists had been completed, and the second phase—preparation of polling schemes—must also be ensured transparently. He added that presiding officers must be appointed in a transparent manner.

He acknowledged that minor shortcomings may occur in society, but efforts must be made to ensure transparency in elections. He said that conducting elections has become more challenging in the age of media, requiring proper strategy from officers.

He stressed the security and protection of election results at polling stations and said training would also be provided in this regard. He referred to a Supreme Court of Azad Jammu and Kashmir judgment emphasizing training for election officers.

He added that if District Returning Officers or Returning Officers face staff shortages, they may temporarily recruit two DEOs and one naib qasid on merit for the election period.

He also noted that many complaints arise regarding refugee constituencies, and said that army and Rangers would be deployed on election day to maintain law and order at polling stations.

Member Election Commission Syed Nazeer-ul-Hassan Gilani, in his address, said it was an honor to speak before officers who deliver justice to the people. He said that in the current situation where public trust in state institutions is declining, two institutions still retain confidence: the armed forces and the judiciary. He said elections are entrusted to the judiciary for this reason, as it is widely agreed that it can conduct transparent elections. He added that a judge’s code of conduct requires exemplary character.

District Returning Officer Raja Faisal said the meeting reflects the Election Commission’s readiness to fulfill its responsibilities. He added that under the Chief Election Commissioner’s guidance, they are fully prepared to ensure transparent elections and will uphold the public’s trust.

Secretary Election Commission Raja Shakeel Khan said that during meetings with the administration, it was emphasized that security for District Returning Officers and Returning Officers must be ensured and all necessary arrangements should be made.

The meeting proceedings were conducted by Secretary Election Commission Raja Shakeel Khan. District Returning Officers and Returning Officers also presented suggestions regarding legal and administrative matters to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections.