ajk polls completed
| |

AJK polls completed transparently, says top poll o…

Chief Election Commissioner of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Justice (retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal has said that the first phase of the electoral process in the region was completed in a free and transparent manner.

He said all political parties actively participated in the elections. He added that polling was conducted in a peaceful environment across the region.

Justice (retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal said voters participated in large numbers. He said people exercised their constitutional right to vote and took part in the electoral process.

The chief election commissioner said the overall polling process remained peaceful. He said election authorities and other relevant institutions worked to ensure that voters could cast their ballots.

He also acknowledged the role of law enforcement agencies during the elections. According to him, security personnel played an exemplary role in maintaining law and order.

The chief election commissioner said security arrangements helped keep the polling environment peaceful. Law enforcement agencies remained deployed to deal with any situation that could affect the electoral process.

However, he said an incident was reported in Samahni where attempts were made to disrupt polling. The people involved in creating a disturbance were arrested, he said.

Justice (retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal said the authorities took action to ensure that polling activities were not affected. He stressed that maintaining peace was essential for a smooth electoral process.

He also highlighted the participation of political parties in the elections. He said their involvement reflected the importance of the electoral process in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

The chief election commissioner’s statement came after the completion of the first phase of polling in the region. The election process attracted significant participation from voters.

He said the authorities remained focused on ensuring transparency throughout the process. He also stressed the importance of maintaining law and order during polling.

The election authorities are now expected to continue the next stages of the electoral process according to the announced schedule. The results and subsequent procedures will determine the political direction of the region.

Justice (retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal said the peaceful completion of the first phase was an important development. He maintained that the cooperation of political parties, voters, election officials and law enforcement agencies helped the process move forward.

Similar Posts

  • |

    Modi vows tough punishment as exam leak protests intensify

    Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised strict action against those involved in examination paper leak scandals, making his first public comments since nationwide student protests erupted over alleged irregularities in the country’s examination system. In a statement shared on social media, Modi said the future and welfare of India’s youth were of the highest importance. He assured students that the government would take firm action against those responsible for examination fraud and announced plans to establish fast-track courts to ensure speedy trials in paper leak cases. The prime minister said no one would be allowed to jeopardise the future of young people for personal gain. He pledged that all those found guilty of manipulating examinations or leaking question papers would face strict legal consequences. His statement came after thousands of students and young people gathered in New Delhi to protest against repeated examination paper leaks and demand greater transparency in the education system. Demonstrators have also been calling for the resignation of the country’s education minister, accusing the government of failing to prevent repeated examination scandals. The protests have been organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a movement that emerged through social media and has rapidly gained support among students and young voters across India. Initially launched as a satirical online campaign, the movement has expanded into a nationwide platform highlighting concerns over examination fraud, unemployment, and opportunities for young people. Tensions escalated earlier this week when large crowds attempted to march towards Parliament during the opening of the monsoon session. Police stopped the protesters by using tear gas and baton charges to disperse the crowds. Clashes later broke out after some demonstrators threw stones at security personnel, resulting in injuries on both sides. According to official figures, at least 178 people, including police officers and security personnel, were injured during the violence. Several protesters also sustained injuries as confrontations continued in different parts of the capital. The latest demonstrations are among the largest youth-led protests seen in New Delhi in recent years. The movement has drawn widespread public attention and increased pressure on the government to restore confidence in India’s examination system. Public anger has grown following a series of examination controversies across the country. One of the biggest scandals involved the leak of a national medical entrance examination paper, forcing more than two million candidates to retake the test. Another controversy related to the online evaluation of high school examinations involving nearly two million students has further raised concerns about fairness and transparency. Students argue that repeated paper leaks are destroying merit and reducing confidence in the education system. Many believe honest candidates are being unfairly affected by corruption and poor oversight in the examination process.

  • | |

    Foreign Office extends consular services to evenin…

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has introduced an evening shift for consular services to make it easier for citizens to access essential facilities outside conventional office hours. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced the new arrangement on Monday. Under the revised schedule, consular services will now remain available from 8am to 8pm, Monday through Friday. The extended hours are aimed at improving access to services and making the process more convenient for applicants who cannot visit government offices during normal working hours. The Foreign Office said the initiative is part of its broader effort to improve public service delivery and make consular facilities more citizen-friendly. Previously, consular services were generally available during standard government office hours. This created difficulties for people with work commitments and for overseas Pakistanis who needed to visit the ministry for documentation and other consular matters. The new evening shift will provide applicants with additional time to complete their requirements and access relevant services. The ministry has also issued a public notice outlining the revised working hours and arrangements for consular services. The Foreign Office said the initiative reflects its focus on improving efficiency, accessibility and the overall experience of citizens seeking consular assistance.

  • | |

    Maryam Aurangzeb rejects PPP’s rigging claim…

      Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) leader and Senior Minister of Punjab, Maryam Aurangzeb, strongly rejected allegations of election rigging made by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), questioning the credibility of such claims by pointing to the PPP’s own government in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). Speaking to the media in Rawalpindi, Maryam Aurangzeb said that the PPP’s accusations of electoral fraud were baseless and contradictory. Referring to PPP leader Nayyar Bukhari’s remarks, she said it was unreasonable to claim widespread rigging on the basis of only two ballot papers when the election involved thousands of votes. According to her, isolated incidents cannot be used to undermine the credibility of an entire electoral process. She further argued that since the Pakistan Peoples Party is in power in Azad Kashmir, its allegations of election manipulation effectively amount to accusing its own administration of wrongdoing. “If you insist that rigging took place in Azad Kashmir, then you are accusing your own government of conducting fraudulent elections,” she remarked. Aurangzeb added that the people of both Punjab and Azad Kashmir had exercised their democratic right and chosen not to vote for the PPP, and that the party should accept the public verdict instead of making unfounded allegations. Maryam Aurangzeb also criticized the timing of the PPP’s accusations, noting that claims of rigging were being made as soon as polling began. She argued that elections are won through the support of voters, not through repeated allegations. “You do not win elections by making accusations; you win them by earning the trust and votes of the people,” she said. Addressing another issue, Aurangzeb questioned attempts to politicize a recent death, stating that the deceased had not died from gunfire. She asked whether political opponents now intended to use even such incidents for political gain, criticizing what she described as the exploitation of sensitive matters for electoral purposes. Turning her attention to governance, Aurangzeb said the Pakistan Peoples Party should focus on improving its performance in Sindh, where it has governed for years. She argued that better governance would provide meaningful relief to the people of the province. Drawing an analogy, she said that if a student fails to prepare for an examination, they cannot simply lock the examination hall. In the same way, she suggested that political parties cannot blame the electoral process when they fail to secure public support. Aurangzeb maintained that the Pakistan Muslim League (N) had earned the confidence of the electorate through its performance and public service. She expressed surprise that the PPP was repeatedly raising issues related to gunfire and election rigging, saying such rhetoric reflected an unwillingness to accept the democratic outcome. She also referred to a speech delivered by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari the previous day, questioning the tone and substance of his remarks. According to Aurangzeb, the PPP should respect the will of the voters rather than challenging the legitimacy of the election without sufficient evidence. Concluding her remarks, Maryam Aurangzeb emphasized that Pakistan’s electoral system provides legal mechanisms for addressing disputes. She said that if the PPP genuinely believes irregularities occurred, it should present its evidence before the Election Commission or the relevant election tribunals. Instead of complaining publicly, she urged the party to pursue the appropriate legal channels. She concluded by saying that the PPP’s own voters had rejected its narrative and that the party should contest elections through democratic means while respecting the mandate given by the people.

  • |

    Fakhar Zaman says one good PSL game is not enough for a call-up

    Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman has weighed in on national team selections. He believes players should not be picked based on just one or two standout PSL performances. According to him, there is a significant gap between franchise cricket and the international game. The 35-year-old pointed out a growing trend. Several young players have made it into the national side after impressing in only a few PSL matches. He said that if a youngster is truly good enough to take his spot in the white-ball team, they should get that chance without hesitation. However, he added an important condition. Such players still need to prove their quality and consistency over time, not just deliver one strong performance. Fakhar also spoke about the gap between league and international cricket. He explained that many domestic performers only understand this difference once they step onto the international stage themselves. He suggested that regular development camps could help close this gap. At the same time, he cautioned against calling any player extraordinary after just one or two good PSL games. League cricket, he stressed, is simply not the same as international cricket. Turning to team matters, Fakhar revealed that batting order discussions have already taken place with the management. He was careful to note that not every detail from those conversations can be shared publicly. His personal approach, he said, has always been to prioritize what the team needs. He acknowledged that individual players naturally have their own preferences. Still, he pointed out that not everything can be aired through the media. What matters most, according to him, is that the entire squad stays united and aligned moving forward. Looking ahead, Fakhar also shared some thoughts on his history in South Africa. He said he has fond memories of playing there in the past. He credited the pace and bounce of South African pitches for suiting his natural batting style. He added that his current preparation is already focused on the 2027 World Cup. As selection debates continue to swirl around PSL performances, Fakhar’s comments offer a timely reminder. Consistency, not a single flash of brilliance, remains the real benchmark for making it at the international level, a point he seems keen on reinforcing as competition for spots heats up.

  • | |

    Transporters join fuel dealers’ strike against d…

    Transport associations across Pakistan have announced support for the Petroleum Dealers Association’s demands and warned of a possible suspension of transport services following a planned shutdown of petrol pumps. The All Pakistan Public Transport Owners Association said public transport operations could also come to a halt if fuel stations close at midnight. Association President Nadeem Hussain said the transport sector would support the petrol dealers’ stance against the government’s policy of fixing petrol and diesel prices on a daily basis. He demanded that the government withdraw the daily fuel pricing mechanism, saying it has created uncertainty and increased financial pressure on transport operators. Hussain said frequent changes in fuel prices directly affect transport businesses because fuel is one of the biggest operating costs for public transport owners. He warned that a continued increase in petroleum prices could further burden both transporters and passengers. The Pakistan Mini Mazda Goods Transport Association also announced its support for the strike call by petrol station owners. Association President Sher Ali Chaudhry said mini Mazda vehicles would stop operating from midnight as part of the protest against daily increases in petroleum prices. He criticized the government’s decision to revise fuel prices regularly, saying it has made it difficult for transporters to manage expenses and maintain their services. Chaudhry said rising fuel costs have severely affected the transport sector, increasing operational expenses and reducing the income of vehicle owners and drivers. Both transport associations urged the government to reconsider the current fuel pricing policy and take steps to provide relief to transporters.

  • | |

    Russia and Ukraine trade overnight strikes as thre…

    Russia and Ukraine launched a fresh wave of overnight strikes against each other on Saturday, leaving three people dead and ten injured across multiple regions on both sides of the border, according to officials from both countries. Kyiv suburb bears the brunt of Russian strikes Three people died and three others suffered injuries when Russian forces struck three separate locations in the Brovary district on the outskirts of Kyiv, said Tymur Tkachenko, head of the Kyiv City Military Administration, in a statement posted on Telegram. Falling debris from the strikes damaged a private residential building along with several outbuildings and parked cars, while a fire broke out at a nonresidential structure in the area, Tkachenko said. Emergency crews rushed to the scene to contain the damage and assist residents. “Rescuers and all necessary services are working on the ground,” Tkachenko said. “The elimination of the consequences is ongoing.” Russia’s Defence Ministry confirmed carrying out the strike on the Ukrainian capital, stating on Telegram that its forces had targeted a military-industrial facility along with a fuel and lubricants depot located in Kyiv. The ministry additionally claimed that two dry cargo ships, which it alleged were transporting weapons and military equipment bound for Ukrainian ports, came under attack from drones while passing through waters south and east of the port city of Odesa. Russian regions report drone damage and injuries On the Russian side, five people sustained injuries and a fire erupted at the Ilsky Oil Refinery in the Krasnodar region after debris from a downed drone fell onto the facility, regional authorities reported. The Krasnodar Operational Headquarters said on Telegram that the injured were receiving all necessary medical care while emergency and special services worked at the scene. Separately, two people were injured when a drone crashed in the Russian city of Zadonsk, according to Lipetsk Governor Igor Artamonov, who posted details of the incident on Telegram. The crash damaged four private homes, a vehicle and a power line, Artamonov said, adding that power workers had already begun restoration efforts in the affected area. In the Samara region further east, one of the area’s industrial enterprises came under attack from a Ukrainian drone, said regional Governor Vyacheslav Fedorishchev in a post on the Russian social media platform Max. Fedorishchev said authorities were currently working to address the aftermath of the strike but did not immediately provide further details on the extent of the damage. Moscow claims mass drone interception Russia’s Defence Ministry also announced that its air defence systems had shot down and destroyed 397 Ukrainian drones over the course of the strikes, with the interceptions occurring over Russian territory, annexed Crimea and the Sea of Azov. Independent verification of the claims made by both Moscow and Kyiv remains difficult given the ongoing conflict, and neither side’s figures on damage, casualties or intercepted drones could be confirmed through independent sources. Latest strikes reflect continuing pattern of cross-border attacks The overnight exchange adds to a long running pattern of tit-for-tat strikes between the two countries, with Ukraine frequently targeting Russian energy infrastructure, including refineries deep inside Russian territory, while Russia continues to strike Ukrainian cities and industrial sites. Both countries have increasingly relied on long-range drones to strike targets far from the front line, a tactic that has expanded the geographic scope of the war well beyond the immediate combat zones in eastern and southern Ukraine. The strikes come as diplomatic efforts to end the war have shown little sign of producing a breakthrough, with both Moscow and Kyiv continuing large-scale military operations even as international mediators push for a negotiated settlement. Attacks on energy facilities, in particular, have become a recurring feature of the conflict, with both sides accusing the other of deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure and disrupting fuel supplies ahead of the winter months. As the war grinds on, Saturday’s strikes underscore the continued volatility along multiple fronts, from Kyiv’s outskirts to refineries deep inside Russian territory, with civilians on both sides bearing the brunt of the ongoing hostilities.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *