MIRPUR (special crosspondent) – Chief Election Commissioner of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Justice (Retd.) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal, has stated that the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections has concluded successfully. He emphasised that the polling process was conducted in an entirely free, fair, and peaceful environment, meeting the requisite democratic standards. The administration remains focused on regional stability, much like recent efforts to address infrastructure challenges such as when the Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan inspected the flood-damaged Skardu Gilgit Road.

Active Political Participation and High Voter Turnout

Addressing the media in Mirpur, Justice (Retd.) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal noted that all major political parties engaged actively throughout the electoral process. He highlighted that voters turned out in significant numbers to exercise their democratic right, reflecting strong civic participation. The Chief Election Commissioner attributed this success to the comprehensive arrangements made by the Election Commission to ensure full transparency and impartiality, which allowed the polling process to proceed efficiently.

Security and Legal Compliance

Justice (Retd.) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal commended the pivotal role played by law enforcement agencies in maintaining peace and security during the polling hours, describing their performance as exemplary. He stated that their diligent efforts ensured a secure atmosphere, enabling citizens to cast their ballots without fear, disruption, or intimidation. The Election Commission intends to process all grievances and objections in strict accordance with the law, ensuring that the integrity of the process remains intact. The final official results are expected to be announced once all mandated legal procedures are completed. Furthermore, the Election Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to conducting the subsequent phases of the AJK elections with the same high standards of neutrality and fairness, a priority that mirrors the government’s ongoing focus on national development and economic reforms, similar to the strategies discussed when the Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired the ECC to approve export incentives.