AJK vows July 27 polls on schedule despite refugee seats protests

• Govt spokesperson says all administrative, security and logistical arrangements completed for free, fair and transparent elections

• Rules out any change in election schedule as protests over 12 reserved refugee seats continue

• Urges voters to trust the democratic process and participate responsibly in electing 45-member Legislative Assembly

 ISLAMABAD: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government on Sunday reaffirmed its commitment to holding the July 27 general elections as scheduled despite ongoing protests over the reservation of refugee seats, saying all administrative, security and logistical arrangements had been completed to ensure the conduct of free, fair, peaceful and transparent polls across the region.

“The AJK Government is fully aware of its constitutional and legal responsibilities and, together with all relevant institutions, will ensure the conduct of free, fair, peaceful, and transparent elections under all circumstances,” AJK government spokesman Chaudhry Guftar Hussain said at a televised press conference.

“God willing, according to the election schedule issued by the Election Commission of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the elections will be held on time, and there will be no change whatsoever in the schedule.”

The protests began ahead of a June 9 strike called by the now-defunct Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) in protest against the reservation of 12 seats for refugees in the July 27 elections to the region’s 45-seat Legislative Assembly.

The refugees live in Pakistan after being displaced from Indian-administered Kashmir following the 1947 Partition of the Subcontinent.

Last month, at least seven people, including four policemen and three protesters, were killed in violence in Rawalakot. Protest leaders claimed this week that two demonstrators were killed in clashes in Mirpur, a claim contested by the regional police chief.

Clashes between local authorities and JAAC supporters have posed a sensitive challenge for Islamabad, which frequently criticises New Delhi’s handling of dissent in Indian-administered Kashmir but is now facing unrest in the territory under its own administration.

Hussain’s announcement came days after protest leaders warned of marching on the regional capital, Muzaffarabad, on July 15 if the government failed to meet their demands.

JAAC, which had previously focused on economic and governance issues, has shifted its campaign to demanding the abolition of the 12 AJK Assembly seats reserved for refugees. The group argues that these seats enable Pakistan’s mainstream political parties to influence the formation of governments in AJK.

However, the movement suffered a setback last month when the AJK Supreme Court observed that the reserved seats enjoy constitutional protection and cannot be abolished through executive or administrative action.

On June 5, the AJK government banned the rights alliance, citing reports of its alleged involvement in “potential violence, acquisition of weapons, attacks on law-enforcement personnel, and plans to disrupt normal life.” JAAC has denied the allegations, maintaining that its movement for rights remains peaceful.

Thousands of JAAC supporters are currently camped on the outskirts of Rawalakot, about 100 kilometres (62 miles) south of Muzaffarabad, the regional capital.

Hussain, however, said all administrative, security and other preparations for the July 27 elections had been finalised and that the state machinery was discharging its responsibilities with full commitment.

“We also appeal to the public to place their trust in the democratic process, exercise their right to vote responsibly, and play their full role in making the electoral process successful so that their representatives can reach the Legislative Assembly and legislate and serve the public in accordance with the wishes, priorities, and interests of the people,” he added.