Tariq Fazal Chaudhry Warns Against Violence Ahead of AJK Elections

Azad Kashmir is preparing for elections scheduled for July 27, amidst a political landscape where life is reported to be normal in nine out of its ten districts, with the exception of Rawalakot. Political activities, including corner meetings and public rallies, have commenced across the region.

Tariq Fazal Chaudhry addressed the current situation, emphasizing that the elections cannot be postponed as the legislative assembly’s term, along with the Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir’s tenure, concludes on August 4. He stressed the importance of transparent and fair elections as the solution to the region’s issues.

Chaudhry urged the Joint Action Committee not to take the law into their own hands, recalling previous marches that resulted in casualties, predominantly among police personnel from Rawalakot. He highlighted that the government has previously engaged in negotiations, citing an October 2015 agreement where 35 out of 38 points were fulfilled. These fulfilled points included reducing cabinet size, reinstating suspended officers, providing jobs, waiving electricity bills for affected individuals, and offering compensation.

He warned against policies of confrontation and violence, suggesting external involvement, specifically from India, in attempts to create instability. Chaudhry affirmed the unity of Pakistanis and Kashmiris in defending their homeland and upholding its freedom and dignity.