polling resumes muzaffarabad
| |

Polling resumes in Muzaffarabad as AJK elections e…

Polling is underway at 57 polling stations in Muzaffarabad for two constituencies of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, LA-27 and LA-28, following a one-day delay caused by adverse weather conditions.

Voting in the two constituencies was postponed on Sunday after bad weather disrupted the electoral process. Polling has now resumed, with voters turning out to cast their ballots and choose their representatives. Election staff and security personnel have been deployed at the polling stations to facilitate voters and maintain law and order throughout the voting process.

The elections are being held in phases across Azad Jammu and Kashmir. According to unofficial and preliminary results announced so far, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has won 14 constituencies, while the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has secured victories in five constituencies.

The results remain unofficial until the relevant election authorities complete the formal process and announce the final outcome. The overall electoral picture is expected to become clearer as polling concludes in the remaining constituencies and official results are compiled.

The third phase of the elections will take place in the Poonch Division on August 10. The division includes four districts—Rawalakot, Poonch, Bagh and Haveli—and comprises 11 Legislative Assembly constituencies, ranging from LA-14 to LA-24.

Political parties are now focusing on the upcoming phase as voters in the Poonch Division prepare to participate in the electoral process. The August 10 polling will mark another key stage in the AJK elections, with the results expected to play an important role in determining the final composition of the Legislative Assembly.

Election authorities have urged voters to exercise their right to vote peacefully and follow the established electoral procedures. The final results from all phases will provide a complete picture of the electoral mandate and determine the political balance in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.

Similar Posts

  • | |

    Lainey Wilson details heartwarming last call with …

    Lainey Wilson is remembering her final phone call with Dolly Parton, sharing an emotional tribute to the country music legend following her death at 80. Wilson revealed that Parton called her just a couple of weeks before she died on August 25, 2026. Looking back on their conversation, Wilson said she was especially grateful that they had the chance to speak one last time. (People.com⁠) The two country stars discussed much more than music. According to Wilson, their conversation touched on the music business, personal sacrifices and their marriages. They spoke about Parton’s late husband, Carl Dean, and Wilson’s husband, former NFL player Devlin “Duck” Hodges. Parton also offered Wilson thoughtful advice about relationships. She reminded the singer that having a supportive partner means allowing both people to remain themselves. For Wilson, the advice was another example of the wisdom and warmth she had come to associate with Parton. Their conversation also turned toward faith. Wilson recalled discussing the Bible with Parton, who encouraged her to take her time while reading the Book of Revelation. Parton’s advice reflected the deeply personal spiritual connection the two women shared. (The News International⁠) Music remained at the heart of their friendship. Wilson said they both felt they had been called to the entertainment business. During their final conversation, Parton told Wilson that she still felt she had more work to do. That comment has taken on an especially emotional meaning following Parton’s death. Wilson has long described Parton as an important influence on her career. Their relationship eventually grew beyond admiration, with the younger country star getting opportunities to work alongside her idol. The pair collaborated in the studio, including on “Mama He’s Crazy,” a tribute to The Judds. (People.com⁠) In her tribute, Wilson described Parton as someone who made people feel like they were already friends, even before meeting them. She remembered the country icon’s ability to make others feel welcomed and valued. Wilson ended her message with a touching image of seeing Parton again someday, imagining that the legendary singer would still tease her about keeping her hair in place. For Wilson, the final call was more than a goodbye. It was a lasting reminder of Parton’s generosity, wisdom and belief in the people she inspired. Dolly Parton’s music may have made her a global icon, but moments like Wilson’s final conversation reveal the personal impact she had on the artists who knew her. Her voice, advice and kindness will continue to live on through generations of country musicians.

  • | |

    Mechanic nabbed in child apprentice abuse case

    VEHARI: A motorcycle mechanic has been arrested in Punjab’s Vehari district after videos allegedly showing him assaulting two young brothers working as apprentices at his repair shop spread widely on social media, prompting swift police action. According to the incident took place within the jurisdiction of Karam Pur Police Station. The suspect, identified as Israr Ahmad, allegedly attacked the two boys—nine-year-old Faizan and 10-year-old Ali Ahmar—over what authorities described as a minor dispute while they were learning motorcycle repair skills at his workshop. Police said the frightened children ran to a nearby public bathhouse in an attempt to escape, but the mechanic allegedly chased them and continued the assault there. The incident gained widespread attention after videos of the alleged abuse went viral online. Following the public outcry, Vehari District Police Officer Tasawur Iqbal ordered immediate legal action against the suspect. Acting on the directive, Station House Officer Muhammad Zulfiqar Jatt and his team registered a case based on the complaint of a police official and arrested the accused. Authorities said the suspect has been booked under relevant sections of the Pakistan Penal Code, including charges related to criminal intimidation and child abuse, while investigators continue to examine the case. District Police Officer Tasawur Iqbal said violence against children would not be tolerated under any circumstances, adding that strict legal action would be taken against anyone found responsible for abusing minors or taking the law into their own hands.

  • | |

    Achakzai urges PM to appoint new chief election co…

      ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai has urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to initiate the process of appointing a new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and fill the vacant positions of two Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) members from Sindh and Balochistan. Achakzai made the request in a letter addressed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on August 10. The opposition leader, who also heads the Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) and serves as chairman of the Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, asked the premier to give immediate attention to what he described as an important constitutional responsibility concerning the composition of the country’s electoral watchdog. According to Achakzai, the official terms of the Chief Election Commissioner and the ECP members representing Sindh and Balochistan expired on January 26, 2025. He stressed that the vacant positions should be filled without further delay to ensure the commission continues to function effectively. The opposition leader argued that the timely appointment of officials to these constitutional positions was essential for maintaining the ECP’s operational continuity, institutional independence and credibility. In his communication, Achakzai referred to relevant provisions of the Constitution that outline the procedure for appointing the Chief Election Commissioner and members of the Election Commission. He cited Article 213(2A) under which the prime minister is required to consult the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly before forwarding three candidates for the post of CEC to a parliamentary committee. The committee then considers the proposed names before making the appointment through the constitutional process. Achakzai also referred to Article 218(2)(b), arguing that the appointment of ECP members from the provinces is subject to the same constitutional principle of consultation between the prime minister and the opposition leader. The opposition leader consequently called on Prime Minister Shehbaz to hold a formal meeting with him so that both sides could consult and agree on suitable candidates for the vacant constitutional positions. The demand comes against the backdrop of a prolonged delay in completing the composition of the electoral body. It is worth recalling that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had previously invited former National Assembly Opposition Leader Omar Ayub for consultations regarding the appointment of a new Chief Election Commissioner. The invitation was extended in June last year as part of the constitutional process for filling the position. However, the parliamentary situation subsequently changed after the National Assembly removed Omar Ayub and several other Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-backed leaders from important parliamentary positions. The move followed their disqualification by the Election Commission of Pakistan in connection with the May 9 cases in August last year. As a result, the consultation process concerning appointments to key positions within the ECP remained stalled. Achakzai’s latest letter has brought renewed attention to the issue, with the opposition leader emphasising that the vacant positions should be filled through the constitutional procedure and without further delay. The appointment of a CEC and provincial ECP members is considered crucial for ensuring the electoral watchdog remains fully functional and retains public confidence. Achakzai has therefore sought an immediate consultation process with the prime minister to resolve the matter and complete the appointments in accordance with the Constitution.

  • Punjab continues Rs25,000 Honorarium for 69,000 Imams

    Lahore – The Punjab Chief Minister’s Honorarium Program for Imam Masjid Sahibaan is continuing successfully under the directives of the Chief Minister of Punjab. According to the spokesperson for the Home Department Punjab, the provincial government has allocated Rs 21 billion for the program, while more than Rs 9 billion has already been disbursed to Imams under the scheme since January 2026. It is pertinent to mention that under the Punjab Chief Minister’s Honorarium Program, more than 69,000 registered Imams across the province are receiving a monthly honorarium of Rs 25,000. The spokesperson stated that the monthly honorarium is being disbursed without interruption to registered Imams throughout Punjab through dedicated ATM cards. The payment mechanism has been designed to ensure dignity, convenience, transparency and efficiency in accordance with modern standards. The Government of Punjab has completed all necessary documentation for the honorarium program for the fiscal year 2026–27, and the required payment has been transferred to the Bank of Punjab. The spokesperson further stated that respected Imams are playing an exemplary role in promoting religious harmony, maintaining peace and fostering social welfare across the province. Their services and contributions are helping strengthen social cohesion and reinforce the values of unity and harmony in the society.

  • | | |

    PSX retreats as profit-taking, oil prices hit sent…

    The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) came under pressure on Friday as investors opted to book profits after the market’s recent gains. The benchmark KSE-100 Index fell sharply during early trading, reflecting cautious investor sentiment amid rising global oil prices and uncertainty over developments surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. The index dropped 771.05 points, or 0.42%, to 181,005.54 by 9:39am. Selling was reported across several major sectors, putting pressure on the overall market. By noon, the KSE-100 had recovered some of its losses and was trading at 181,326.54 points, down 450.05 points, or 0.25%, from Thursday’s close of 181,776.59. During the session, the index moved between an intraday high of 181,647.27 and a low of 180,620.08 points. Trading activity remained moderate, with around 146.05 million shares changing hands. The total value of traded shares stood at approximately Rs10.06 billion. Selling was visible in several heavyweight sectors, including automobile assemblers, cement companies, commercial banks, fertiliser firms, oil and gas exploration companies and oil marketing companies. Market sentiment was also affected by the continued rise in international crude prices. Investors remained cautious over possible disruptions to energy supplies amid tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts attributed the decline largely to profit-taking following the market’s recent strong performance. Investors appeared reluctant to make fresh aggressive positions while global oil prices and geopolitical risks remained elevated. Despite Friday’s decline, the KSE-100 remained above the 181,000-point level, indicating that the broader market continued to retain much of its recent gains.

  • | | |

    Maryam Nawaz’s electric bus gift to AJK sparks d…

    Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s decision to provide 10 electric buses to Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has ignited a political and constitutional debate over the use of provincial resources outside Punjab. The controversy intensified after the buses arrived in Muzaffarabad just days before the first phase of the AJK Legislative Assembly elections. Maryam Nawaz shared a video on social media announcing that the green electric buses had reached Muzaffarabad. The buses carried banners featuring her photograph alongside the message, “A gift from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.” The announcement came only two days before polling in the Mirpur Division, where election campaigning was underway. At the time, Maryam Nawaz and Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif were in the region to campaign for their party’s candidates. The timing of the announcement prompted criticism from political opponents and legal observers, who questioned whether public resources should be used during an active election campaign. The issue has also sparked a broader debate over whether a provincial government can spend taxpayer-funded resources outside its constitutional jurisdiction. Critics argue that the Punjab government’s primary responsibility is to serve the residents of Punjab, while supporters maintain that intergovernmental cooperation and public welfare projects are permissible under certain circumstances. Senior PML-N leader and Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah defended the party’s participation in the election campaign. Speaking to local media, he stated that because Azad Jammu and Kashmir does not have a caretaker government during elections, federal and provincial ministers are legally allowed to campaign. However, Rana Sanaullah also acknowledged concerns about the electoral process. He suggested that the newly elected AJK Legislative Assembly should consider legal reforms to prevent governments in power from influencing elections through official positions or public resources. The controversy has renewed discussions about election ethics, transparency, and the appropriate use of taxpayer funds during political campaigns. Legal experts note that while development assistance between governments is not uncommon, the timing and political context of such announcements often determine whether they are viewed as administrative decisions or campaign-related activities. As political debate continues, the electric bus initiative has become a key issue in discussions about governance, constitutional authority, and the responsible use of provincial resources ahead of elections.

Leave a Reply

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