AJK Elections: PPP Seeks Postponement Amid Protests; PML-N Insists on Timely Polls

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has requested the AJK Election Commission to withdraw the scheduled elections for July 27, linking the decision to peace and stability in the region. This development follows a clash between protesters and law enforcement personnel in Rawalakot on Sunday, which led to two fatalities and eight injuries. The incident occurred amidst a six-day shutter-down strike called by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) across most parts of AJK.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari appealed to protesters to cease their demonstrations, stating that the unrest was detrimental to both the Kashmir cause and Pakistan’s international standing. He emphasized that political grievances should be addressed through democratic, constitutional, and peaceful means within parliamentary processes. Bhutto-Zardari also referenced an imminent Pakistan-mediated peace agreement between the United States and Iran, suggesting the unrest diverted international attention negatively.

Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin, President of PPP AJK, further urged the Election Commission to withdraw the schedule, advocating for dialogue to de-escalate the current crisis. Yasin noted that 37 out of 38 demands made by JAAC have been implemented, with only one constitutional matter regarding refugee seats remaining. He criticized the timing of the election announcement, which occurred three days before the protest call, and warned that hostile forces, particularly India, could exploit the situation.

The clash in Rawalakot near Eidgah Ground was confirmed by Poonch Divisional Commissioner Sardar Waheed Khan. Mobile phone services in Rawalakot were suspended on Saturday night, and internet services, already disrupted across the region, were extended for another six days until June 20.

In contrast, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has maintained that elections in AJK should be held on time. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry stated that the PML-N views timely polls as a solution to the region's prevailing issues. He noted that the current AJK Assembly took its oath on August 3, implying elections must occur before August 4. Information Minister Ataullah Tarar reiterated that differences should be resolved through democratic means while emphasizing that taking the law into one's own hands would not be permitted.

PPP senior leader Nayyar Hussain Bukhari also cited the commencement of the holy month of Muharram, in addition to the law and order situation, as a reason for seeking the postponement of the AJK elections. He affirmed the party's consistent position that elections should not be held without peace restoration.

According to Dawn Pakistan, the AJK Election Commission had set July 27 as the polling day.