The federal government has reaffirmed its full support for the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government to ensure peaceful elections and maintain law and order across the region. Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry said the Centre would provide every possible assistance to counter those attempting to disrupt the electoral process and create unrest.
Talal Chaudhry stated that recent incidents in Rawalakot, involving supporters of the banned Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), were aimed at disturbing peace rather than protecting public rights. He claimed the group’s actions were intended to deny the people of AJK their democratic right to vote and interfere with the election process.
The minister said the successful completion of the first phase of elections in Mirpur Division reflected the public’s confidence in democracy. According to him, voters rejected attempts to create instability by participating in large numbers. He also alleged that certain domestic and foreign elements were encouraging unrest to shift international attention away from the elections.
Talal further claimed that 37 out of the 38 demands previously raised by the banned group had already been accepted, making the continued protests difficult to justify. He added that peaceful demonstrations are a democratic right, but the use of weapons and violence cannot be tolerated. The federal government, he said, remains committed to protecting citizens and ensuring free and fair elections throughout AJK.
Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar echoed these remarks, saying the people of AJK had chosen democracy over violence. He stated that nearly 600,000 votes were cast during the first phase of polling, demonstrating public support for a peaceful electoral process. Tarar also alleged that the banned organisation was pursuing a foreign backed agenda and attempting to damage peace and development in the region.
Earlier, AJK Secretary Information Muhammad Rashid Hanif and DIG Irfan Masood Kashfi told reporters in Muzaffarabad that authorities possessed evidence linking members of the banned organisation with armed individuals. Officials said several police personnel were injured during clashes and assured citizens that all necessary measures would be taken to maintain peace, protect voters, and ensure the remaining election phases are conducted safely.
