Media urged to promote factual reporting as AJK elections enter first phase

With the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir general elections set to begin on July 27 across Mirpur Division, the AJK Information Department has called on journalists and media organisations to exercise maximum responsibility in election coverage, urging them to ensure that only verified and balanced information reaches the public, particularly during polling, vote counting and the announcement of results.

In a joint message issued ahead of the elections, Information Secretary Muhammad Rashid Hanif, Director General Tariq Jamil Durrani and Mirpur Division Deputy Director Raja Muhammad Sohail Khan stressed that professional, impartial and ethical journalism would play a decisive role in safeguarding the credibility and transparency of the electoral process.

According to Bhimber District Information Officer Adnan Mukhtar, the senior officials urged journalists associated with the print, electronic and digital media to strictly follow the code of conduct issued by the AJK Election Commission and adhere to established journalistic ethics throughout the election process.

They cautioned media professionals against airing or publishing unverified reports, rumours, inflammatory content and misleading information, warning that the spread of inaccurate news could adversely affect the peaceful conduct of the elections and undermine public confidence in the democratic process.

The officials placed particular emphasis on the responsible use of social media platforms, including Facebook, X, WhatsApp, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and other digital channels, saying these platforms should be used only for the dissemination of authenticated and verified information.

They urged journalists to avoid sharing any content that could provoke unrest, create confusion among voters or negatively impact law and order, especially during the sensitive stages of vote counting and the announcement of unofficial and official election results.

The Information Department also assured media organisations that it would remain in close coordination with journalists throughout the election period and provide timely, accurate and authenticated official information to facilitate responsible reporting and counter misinformation.

Describing the media as a cornerstone of democracy, the officials said responsible journalism was indispensable for ensuring that the elections remained free, fair, transparent and peaceful. They expressed confidence that journalists across Bhimber and the wider Mirpur Division would fulfil their professional and national responsibilities by promoting tolerance, harmony and factual reporting while refraining from sensationalism.

Meanwhile, the AJK government has declared July 27 a public holiday across Mirpur Division to facilitate maximum voter participation in the first phase of the 2026 AJK general elections. The holiday is intended to enable voters to cast their ballots without inconvenience and encourage greater public participation in the democratic process.

Polling in the first phase will be held across Mirpur Division, while the remaining phases of the AJK general elections are scheduled to take place in Muzaffarabad and Poonch divisions under the revised election schedule announced by the Election Commission.