The Election Commission of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has officially announced that general elections in the region will be held on July 27. According to the Election Commission, all necessary arrangements will be made to ensure the smooth conduct of the electoral process across the territory. The announcement comes shortly after the AJK Legislative Assembly adopted a resolution supporting the retention of 12 seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees.
Resolution on Reserved Seats
The resolution stated that the representation of Kashmiri refugees is both a historical and constitutional reality and should continue to be safeguarded within the existing framework. It also noted that any electoral or administrative challenges related to these seats should be resolved through appropriate reforms acceptable to all political stakeholders. The assembly emphasized that constitutional amendments fall solely within the authority of the elected legislature and must be carried out through the proper parliamentary process.
Call for Consultations
The resolution further called for extensive consultations with political parties, bar associations, the bar council, civil society representatives, and constitutional experts to ensure that any future reforms are developed through consensus and broad-based agreement. This move aims to address any concerns regarding the representation of Kashmiri refugees while maintaining constitutional integrity.
In a separate development, six militants were killed in an intelligence-based operation in Panjgur, highlighting ongoing security challenges in the region. The Election Commission's announcement sets the stage for political activity in AJK, with parties expected to begin campaigning ahead of the July 27 polls.
