PML-N's e-buses spark poll code debate

AJK EC warns against new schemes, state resource use

MUZAFFARABAD:

The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Election Commission, taking exception to violations of the election code of conduct, on Saturday warned political parties that such breaches would not be tolerated under any circumstances and that it was taking all necessary measures to ensure free, fair and transparent elections.

The warning came a day after PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif made several pre-poll promises, including an international airport for Mirpur, revival of Mansehra-Muzaffarabad-Mirpur motorway project, and a series of 'gifts' for Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), as he and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz made a final campaign push for party's candidates hours before the electioneering ended for the Mirpur division polls.

Despite the warning, ten state-of-the-art electric buses gifted by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz reached AJK capital Muzaffarabad on Saturday. The PML-N described the move as the fulfilment of a commitment made by party leader Nawaz Sharif to the people of the region.

The convoy of electric buses, which departed from Islamabad a day earlier, was welcomed on its arrival in AJK by PML-N leaders, party workers and local residents, who greeted the vehicles with slogans.

The buses carried banners featuring a photograph of CM Maryam and describing the vehicles as a gift for the people of Azad Kashmir.

Maryam confirmed on Saturday afternoon that the green buses had arrived in the regional capital, sharing a video that showed several of the vehicles bearing posters with her picture.

The PML-N's Friday announcement had not gone well with the PPP, which described it as "political bribery". It then approached the Election Commission, urging it to take notice of what it termed a violation of the election code of conduct.

Subsequently, an Election Commission spokesperson said federal and provincial ministers were free to participate in electioneering in AJK but could not use official protocol, government resources or the state machinery for electoral purposes.

"The federal and provincial ministers may campaign in the elections, but they cannot use official protocol or government resources," an AJK Election Commission spokesperson said, adding that the use of government machinery for electoral purposes would constitute a violation of the code of conduct.

The spokesperson said the announcement of new development schemes or financial packages during the election campaign had been prohibited, adding that any announcement of new public welfare projects during the campaign would also be considered a violation of the code of conduct.

"Vehicles, equipment, and relief goods sent by the federal or provincial government will be confiscated, and action will be taken in accordance with the law against violations of the code of conduct," the spokesperson said.

The AJK Election Commission directed federal and provincial ministers, candidates, and political parties to strictly comply with the code of conduct.

According to a spokesperson of the commission, all political parties should adhere to the electoral code of conduct to ensure transparent elections and maintain public confidence.

Separately, PPP Secretary General Nayyer Hussain Bukhari met with AJK Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Justice (retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal on Saturday over the issue of pre-poll development schemes.

He urged the CEC to take notice of the Punjab government's decision to hand over 10 electric buses bearing the photographs of CM Maryam to the AJK administration.

He said the PPP considered the act as "political bribery" and alleged that the PML-N was trying to "buy the AJK elections" by using tax money of the people of Punjab.

"After the announcement of the election schedule, any such step by any executive amounts to a clear violation of election laws," he asserted.

Bukhari questioned whether the buses were purchased "from the account of Jati Umra", and asked the CEC to take notice of the matter.

He also submitted a request for issuance of a no-objection certificate (NOC) for the PPP to run a "motivation service" in connection with the party manifesto and election campaign in AJK, and urged the CEC to decide early on the party's appeal.

Matters related to the AJK general elections 2026, the code of conduct, and permission letters required for political parties also came under discussion.

In a statement, PPP Central Spokesperson Shazia Marri said Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari was striving for a bright and empowered future for every Kashmiri.

She said the PPP chairman had raised the slogan of the right to rule, right to property and right to employment for the people of Kashmir, adding "this is not a crime".

Marri asked PML-N to present its plan of action for Kashmir to the people instead of attacking political allies. "The people of Kashmir do not want allegations by political parties; they want solutions to their problems," she said.

She said Nawaz was repeating the same old narrative on which he "could not deliver despite being in power three times".

Meanwhile, a review meeting on arrangements for the elections was chaired by AJK Chief Election Commissioner Ghulam Mustafa Mughal in Mirpur.

The meeting was attended by Election Commission Secretary Raja Muhammad Shakeel Khan, district returning officers, returning officers, and divisional and district administration and police officers.

District Returning Officers of Mirpur, Jahangir Ahmad Jarral, Kotli, Muhammad Idrees Bhatti, and Bhimber, Hafiz Sardar Muhammad Akram Khan briefed Mughal, while Commissioner Mirpur Division Raja Tahir Mumtaz and Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Kamran Ali briefed the meeting on arrangements for the elections.

Mughal expressed satisfaction over security arrangements for the elections, noting that the primary objective was to hold free, fair and impartial elections.

He added that the "nation has confidence in the judiciary, administration and security institutions," and stated that the "peaceful conduct of elections must be ensured at all costs."

Mughal stressed that all institutions will have to work together to "prove election-related rumours wrong" and that the entire polling process must be carried out successfully. He stated that ensuring the security of polling stations was the responsibility of security institutions and added that it is their responsibility to provide protection to voters and polling staff.

Further, the chief election commissioner noted, "Various reservations were raised regarding phased elections, but the impression that the results of one division could influence another division is baseless," adding that "Azad Kashmir has its own ground realities, and its people are committed to their respective political parties."

Mughal also noted that security forces had started reaching polling stations. "Our effort is to ensure free, fair and impartial elections in Azad Kashmir. Through a collective effort, we must make the electoral process successful in the national interest," he said.