Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudry, has alleged sabotage of free and fair elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) at a press conference in Islamabad. He stated that the AJK Legislative Assembly’s constitutional term has ended.
Chaudhry said efforts are being made to undermine transparent elections despite the government accepting most demands from the Joint Action Committee (JAC). The prime minister had constituted a high-level committee to negotiate with JAC, and all clauses of the agreement were implemented, including electricity at Rs3 per unit in AJK, subsidies on flour and other essential commodities, and improved internet services.
Chaudhry criticized the JAC’s demand to abolish refugee seats in the AJK Assembly, noting that courts had already clarified these constitutional seats could not be removed without legislation. He questioned whether there was an attempt to weaken Pakistan-Azad Kashmir relations or undermine the Kashmir cause at a time when international attention is focused on Pakistan.
Sardar Ateeq Ahmad Khan urged JAC not to adopt an uncompromising stance, reiterating that the government had made sincere efforts to address public concerns through dialogue and implementation of agreed measures.