In an official statement issued on Sunday, the commission said the election schedule announced on June 5 was prepared in accordance with constitutional requirements and the tenure of the current AJK Assembly. The commission dismissed reports suggesting any delay in the electoral process, describing such claims as baseless and politically motivated.
The spokesperson emphasized that holding free, fair, transparent, and timely elections is the constitutional responsibility of the Election Commission and that all preparations are proceeding according to schedule.
The clarification came after remarks by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who stated that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) had requested the commission to withdraw what it called a "premature" election schedule. Bilawal said his party was seeking a political solution to ongoing issues in the region and proposed the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to address grievances.
The electoral debate comes amid heightened political tensions in AJK. Earlier this month, the AJK government declared the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee a proscribed organization under anti-terrorism laws. The move followed the group s planned June 9 protest demanding the abolition of 12 assembly seats reserved for refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir who migrated to Pakistan after 1947.
Meanwhile, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the PPP had not consulted the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) regarding any proposal to postpone the elections.
Speaking to Geo News, Chaudhry stressed that elections must be held before August 4, noting that the current AJK Assembly took oath on August 3, 2021. He reiterated that July 27 had been designated as polling day in accordance with constitutional timelines.
While acknowledging that the deadline for nomination papers could be extended if necessary, the minister maintained that elections should proceed without delay, arguing that democratic processes are the best way to address political disputes.
Commenting on the security situation, Chaudhry said conditions remained normal in most areas, including Mirpur and Muzaffarabad divisions, while tensions were largely limited to Rawalakot. He also expressed sorrow over recent fatalities linked to unrest in the region and called on protesters to end sit-ins and demonstrations.
The Election Commission s statement appears aimed at ending uncertainty over the electoral calendar and reinforcing confidence that the democratic process in AJK will continue according to constitutional requirements.
