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Acting President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Chaudhry Latif Akbar has sent two letters to the Election Commission of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, demanding action over alleged security failures and irregularities reported during the polling process. In his letters, Chaudhry Latif Akbar raised serious concerns regarding the arrangements made for election security and claimed that effective security measures were not provided at several polling stations. He called for a thorough investigation into the incidents reported during the voting process and urged the Election Commission to take appropriate legal action against those found responsible. The Acting President stated that polling agents at various locations were allegedly prevented from entering polling stations, which he described as a serious violation of the electoral process. According to him, the presence of polling agents is essential to ensure transparency and maintain public confidence in elections. Chaudhry Latif Akbar further requested an inquiry into reports of firing incidents, alleged interference in the polling process, and claims that some voters were deprived of their right to cast their votes. He emphasized that all such allegations should be investigated impartially to determine the facts and ensure accountability. In one of his letters, the Acting President highlighted delays in the start of polling at Koomi Kot and Jhandgran areas. He stated that voting began late in these locations and requested that polling time be extended in the affected areas to compensate for the lost time and allow voters a fair opportunity to exercise their democratic right. He also referred to an alleged armed attack on Mumtaz Hussain Naqvi, calling for an immediate investigation into the incident. Chaudhry Latif Akbar demanded that those responsible for the attack be identified and legal proceedings be initiated against them. The Acting President stressed that all incidents reported during the election process must be examined through transparent investigations. He called upon the Election Commission to ensure that no individual or group involved in electoral violations escapes accountability. In his communication with the Election Commission, Chaudhry Latif Akbar reiterated the importance of maintaining a free, fair, and peaceful electoral environment. He stated that public trust in democratic institutions depends on ensuring that elections are conducted without intimidation, interference, or unlawful practices. The letters come amid political tensions surrounding the election process in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, where various political parties have raised concerns over alleged irregularities and security issues. Opposition parties have also questioned aspects of the polling arrangements, while authorities have maintained that necessary measures were taken to conduct peaceful elections. Chaudhry Latif Akbar’s demands reflect concerns about transparency and fairness in the electoral process. He emphasized that protecting voters’ rights and ensuring equal participation should remain the top priority of election authorities. He concluded by urging the Election Commission to conduct a comprehensive review of all reported incidents, publish the findings transparently, and take strict action against anyone found involved in misconduct. According to him, only a credible and impartial investigation can strengthen public confidence and ensure that the democratic process reflects the genuine will of the people.

JHELUM: In a major security lapse, armed men intercepted a prison van on the busy GT Road near Mandra and forcibly freed a murder suspect who was being taken back to District Jail Jhelum after appearing in court. The escape involved Malik Hamad, who is facing a murder case registered with Saddar Beruni police. He had initially been held at Adiala Central Jail before being transferred to Jhelum following the recovery of a mobile phone and other prohibited items during a surprise inspection. Hamad was brought to Rawalpindi on Tuesday for a court hearing. While the prison van was returning to Jhelum, it slowed near Galaxy Hotel at Bacha Stop, where another vehicle approached the van. According to sources, the occupants told prison officials that Hamad’s mother was seriously ill and requested a brief meeting with him. Taking advantage of the confusion, several armed men surrounded the van with their vehicles, pulled Hamad out and escaped. The incident immediately triggered a security alert, with senior police and jail officials rushing to the location. Police teams were subsequently formed to track down and arrest the escaped suspect. The incident has raised fresh concerns about the security arrangements for transporting prisoners. It comes weeks after 14 high-risk prisoners escaped from another prison van while returning from Kahuta in late June. All of them were later recaptured following an extensive search operation, while cases were registered against the policemen responsible for their security. Following that escape, Rawalpindi police introduced new standard operating procedures aimed at strengthening prisoner transportation security. The latest incident, however, has renewed questions about whether those measures are being properly implemented. Four policemen reportedly assigned to guard Hamad have been detained for questioning. Sources also claimed that the suspect had links with an influential individual associated with a private housing society. Despite the seriousness of the incident, senior police officials declined to comment publicly, while a search operation to recapture Hamad remained underway.