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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has strongly rejected allegations of election rigging in the ongoing Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) legislative assembly elections, maintaining that the electoral process has remained transparent and democratic despite criticism from opposition parties. The three-phase election, being held under heightened security arrangements, has become one of the most closely watched political contests in recent years. The process has been marked by the boycott of the polls by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), accusations of irregularities by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), and weeks of unrest linked to the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which has challenged the existing electoral structure, particularly the controversial refugee constituencies. Addressing a press conference after the completion of the second phase of polling, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah expressed confidence that the PML-N had already secured enough seats to form the next AJK government. He predicted the party would strengthen its position further after the remaining constituencies complete voting in the final phase. Sanaullah described the elections as free, fair and credible, crediting election officials, law enforcement agencies and the AJK administration for ensuring a peaceful voting process under difficult circumstances. He dismissed the PPP’s allegations of rigging, arguing that any complaints should be formally presented before the Election Commission, which has the constitutional authority to investigate and order re-polling wherever necessary. The senior PML-N leader also alleged that elements associated with the PPP and JAAC attempted to create unrest in Muzaffarabad before polling day to discourage voter turnout in areas considered favorable to his party. He said the PML-N would seek an official investigation into those incidents. The PPP, however, continues to challenge the credibility of the elections. Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has alleged widespread irregularities and insisted that several constituencies require independent investigations, claiming that the electoral process has not provided a level playing field for all contestants. One of the central issues surrounding the election remains the 12 refugee constituencies, which represent refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir residing in different parts of Pakistan. Critics argue that these seats allow Islamabad greater influence over government formation in AJK, while the government maintains they are constitutionally protected. Earlier this year, the AJK Supreme Court ruled that the constituencies cannot be abolished without a constitutional amendment. The political atmosphere has also been shaped by protests led by the Joint Awami Action Committee, which initially mobilized against rising electricity prices, taxation and the increasing cost of living before expanding its campaign to demand electoral reforms. Following weeks of demonstrations and clashes with security forces, the AJK government declared JAAC a banned organization under anti-terrorism laws. With unofficial results from the first two phases placing the PML-N in a leading position, attention has now shifted to the third and final phase of polling in Poonch Division, scheduled for August 10. The outcome will determine the composition of the next AJK government and conclude an election that has generated intense political debate across Pakistan.

KARACHI: The father of slain businessman Mir Raza Ali has called for the suspension of Karachi East DIG Dr Farrukh Ali and other police officials, accusing them of delaying the investigation and allegedly concealing crucial evidence in his son’s murder case. Speaking to reporters, Mir Hussain said the police had mishandled the investigation and urged authorities to take action against the Ferozabad SHO and other officers allegedly involved in the case. He claimed that officials had “played a game” with the grieving family. Twenty-five-year-old Mir Raza Ali, an IBA graduate and businessman, went missing on July 28 and was found dead in Gulistan-e-Jauhar the following day. While the initial investigation considered suicide as a possibility, his family consistently maintained that he had been abducted, tortured and murdered. The case took a new turn after a fresh post-mortem reportedly identified a gunshot wound to Ali’s back along with other injuries. A chemical examination also detected acid particles and gunshot-residue elements on his shirt, while police said sedatives were found in his blood and DNA testing matched his parents. Meanwhile, the family has requested that Ali’s smartwatch be examined by the Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA), rather than the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA). Family lawyer Jibran Nasir expressed concern that the device had remained with a former investigation committee head for several days before being handed to the NCCIA, raising fears of possible tampering. The newly formed investigation team, headed by DIG Amir Farooqi, has written to the NCCIA seeking forensic analysis of the smartwatch as well as information concerning Ali’s social media and other digital accounts. Investigators have also revisited the crime scene, interviewed nursery staff and collected additional evidence. The team has been tasked with examining outstanding aspects of the case, including geofencing, mobile-data records and digital evidence. Authorities have set August 15 as the deadline for submission of the investigation report. Meanwhile, a medico-legal officer who conducted the initial post-mortem was removed following an inquiry that identified serious lapses in the examination.