rki.news
Altaf Hamid Rao

MIRPUR (AJK): August 4: Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Party (JKDP) Chairperson Advocate Nabeela Irshad has requested the Chief Election Commissioner of Azad Jammu and Kashmir to postpone the scheduled August 10 Phase-3 elections in Poonch Division, citing extraordinary circumstances and the need to ensure a free, fair and credible electoral process.
In a petition submitted to the AJK Chief Election Commission, the JKDP president said successful elections require more than polling arrangements and must provide all political parties and candidates equal opportunities to conduct campaigns.
She stated that the recent crisis in the region resulted in loss of lives, injuries and suffering among affected families, making election campaigning difficult and inappropriate under the prevailing circumstances.
Advocate Nabeela Irshad said instead of election activities, she had been supporting affected families and attending funeral ceremonies of those who lost their lives. She added that seeking votes during such a sensitive period would not be consistent with compassion and respect for public suffering.
The JKDP also highlighted that the current situation has affected election activities for reserved seats allocated to Jammu and Kashmir refugees living in Pakistan, raising concerns about equal opportunities for all candidates.
The party urged the Election Commission to review the overall electoral environment in Mirpur Division and take steps to protect public confidence in the democratic process.
Advocate Nabeela Irshad requested the Commission to postpone elections in Poonch Division until normal conditions return, assess the situation regarding refugee seats and ensure a level playing field for all contestants.
She said the demand was not based on political interests but aimed at protecting democratic values, transparency and constitutional rights of the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The JKDP expressed hope that the Election Commission would consider the request impartially and take decisions to strengthen trust in the electoral process.