The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Election Commission on Saturday warned political parties against violating the code of conduct during the general election campaign, saying such violations would not be tolerated under any circumstances and that it was taking all necessary measures to ensure free, fair and transparent elections. "The federal and provincial ministers may campaign in the elections, but they cannot use official protocol or government resources," an AJK Election Commission spokesperson said, adding that the use of government machinery for electoral purposes would constitute a violation of the code of conduct. The spokesperson said the announcement of new development schemes or financial packages during the election campaign had been prohibited, adding that any announcement of new public welfare projects during the campaign would also be considered a violation of the code of conduct.
"Vehicles, equipment, and relief goods sent by the federal or provincial government will be confiscated, and action will be taken in accordance with the law against violations of the code of conduct," the spokesperson said. Read: Politicking picks up ahead of July 27 AJK elections The AJK Election Commission has directed federal and provincial ministers, candidates, and political parties to strictly comply with the code of conduct. According to a spokesperson of the commission, all political parties should adhere to the electoral code of conduct to ensure transparent elections and maintain public confidence.
Meanwhile, a review meeting on arrangements for the elections was chaired by AJK Chief Election Commissioner Ghulam Mustafa Mughal in Mirpur. The meeting was attended by Election Commission Secretary Raja Muhammad Shakeel Khan, district returning officers, returning officers, and divisional and district administration and police officers. District Returning Officers of Mirpur, Jahangir Ahmad Jarral, Kotli, Muhammad Idrees Bhatti, and Bhimber, Hafiz Sardar Muhammad Akram Khan briefed Mughal, while Commissioner Mirpur Division Raja Tahir Mumtaz and Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Kamran Ali briefed the meeting on arrangements for the elections.
Mughal expressed satisfaction over security arrangements for the elections, noting that the primary objective was to hold free, fair and impartial elections. He added that the "nation has confidence in the judiciary, administ…
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