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Chief Election Commissioner of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, retired Justice Ghulam Mustafa Mughal, has said that the law and order situation in Muzaffarabad has improved, following concerns over uncertainty and security challenges in the city. Justice (retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal said that while there had been an atmosphere of uncertainty in Muzaffarabad the previous day, the situation had now become more stable and peaceful. He added that additional security personnel had been deployed at the two most sensitive constituencies in the region to ensure peaceful polling. The chief election commissioner said that security arrangements for elections on migrant seats in Pakistan were the responsibility of the relevant provincial governments. He explained that election materials had been dispatched to polling stations and that presiding officers had also left for their assigned areas. “Election equipment has been sent to the polling stations, and presiding officers have moved toward their respective locations,” he said, adding that in some remote areas, the transportation of election materials was continuing gradually due to logistical challenges. Justice Mughal confirmed that polling in Muzaffarabad would take place the following day and identified two constituencies—LA-5 Khawora and LA-3 Lajrat—as highly sensitive areas requiring additional security arrangements. He said extra security forces had been deployed at sensitive polling stations, while Quick Response Force units would also remain available throughout the polling process. In the event of any emergency or disturbance, the quick response teams would immediately intervene to control the situation and maintain peace. The chief election commissioner expressed confidence that the security arrangements would help ensure a smooth and transparent election process. He emphasized that all necessary measures were being taken to protect voters, polling staff, and election officials. Meanwhile, preparations for the second phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections have been completed. Polling will be held in three districts of the Muzaffarabad division as well as on 12 seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees living in Pakistan. According to the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Election Commission, the Muzaffarabad division consists of three districts: Muzaffarabad, Neelum, and Jhelum Valley. More than 890,000 registered voters are eligible to cast their ballots across these areas. A total of 208 candidates are contesting elections in nine constituencies across the three districts. The voting process will also include refugee seats representing Jammu and Kashmir Valley migrants who are currently residing in Pakistan. The Election Commission stated that six seats representing Jammu and six seats representing the Valley will be contested by Kashmiri refugees living in Pakistan. These seats are part of the legislative structure of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and allow displaced communities to participate in the political process. Authorities have increased security arrangements across polling areas to prevent any disruption and ensure that voters can exercise their right peacefully. Election officials have also directed security agencies and administrative departments to remain alert throughout polling day. The second phase of voting is being closely monitored due to the importance of the constituencies involved and previous concerns regarding security. Officials have assured that all necessary steps have been taken to conduct free, fair, and peaceful elections in the region.

Lahore: The Punjab government has approved comprehensive martyr compensation packages for the families of 14 police personnel who lost their lives while performing their duties, reaffirming its commitment to supporting the families of fallen law enforcement officials. The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Punjab Minister for Law Rana Muhammad Iqbal Khan at the Home Department. The meeting was attended by Home Secretary Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi, Additional Inspector General Imran Arshad, Additional Secretary (Police) Kanwar Anwar Ali Khan, DIG Welfare Mehboob Rashid and other senior officials. The minister directed the relevant authorities to ensure that all financial dues, housing benefits and other entitlements are provided to the families of the martyrs without delay. Approval was granted under three different martyr packages based on the circumstances of service and sacrifice. Package-1 was sanctioned for police personnel martyred in encounters with terrorists in Bhakkar and Layyah, including Constables Muhammad Shehbaz, Muhammad Faheem and Muhammad Asad Naseer. Under this package, the families of martyred constables will receive Rs10 million, a five-marla house and other benefits. Package-2 was approved for police officials who embraced martyrdom during duty in Bahawalnagar, Sargodha, Rajanpur, Faisalabad and Gujrat. The beneficiaries include Sub-Inspectors Shahid Parvez and Amir Rizwan, Constables Muhammad Nasir and Mirza Umar Aftab Baig, and Driver Constable Iftikhar Ahmed. Under this package, the families of martyred constables will receive Rs4 million, a five-marla house and additional benefits, while the families of martyred Assistant Sub-Inspectors will receive Rs5 million, a seven-marla house and other incentives. Package-3 was approved for police personnel martyred while on duty in Bahawalnagar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rahim Yar Khan and Sahiwal. The approved beneficiaries include Sub-Inspector Muhammad Zaman Zia, Assistant Sub-Inspector Muhammad Bashir, Constables Muhammad Bismillah, Muhammad Ramzan, Tahir-ul-Zaman Siddiqui and Muhammad Waris. Under this package, the families of martyred constables will receive Rs3.5 million and other benefits, while the families of martyred Assistant Sub-Inspectors and Sub-Inspectors will receive Rs4 million along with additional concessions. Addressing the meeting, Rana Muhammad Iqbal Khan said the welfare and protection of the families of martyrs remains one of the Punjab government’s highest priorities. He pledged that no martyr’s family would be deprived of its rightful benefits, describing the fallen officers as the pride of the nation and the country’s true heroes who laid down their lives in the line of duty. The minister also vowed that terrorists responsible for killing police personnel would be brought to justice in accordance with the law. The meeting concluded with prayers for the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs.