AJK poll commission freezes official hiring in seven deferred constituencies
The curbs cover Poonch and Sudhnoti districts, where general elections were put off on law and order grounds, and last until voting is completed.
MUZAFFARABAD: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Election Commission has barred fresh government appointments and transfers, new development schemes and the distribution of public funds in seven constituencies of Poonch and Sudhnoti districts, where general elections were postponed over law and order concerns.
Dawn reported that the restrictions will remain in force until the electoral process in the affected constituencies is completed.
The commission said the curbs are meant to stop the misuse of state resources and to give every candidate a level playing field.
The decisions were taken at a meeting chaired by the Chief Election Commissioner. In the seven constituencies, no new appointment or transfer of officials can be ordered, no development scheme can be launched and no public money can be released for distribution while the constituencies wait for a completed election.
The report did not name the seven constituencies, identify the candidates or give a date for the deferred polling.
The commission conducts elections to the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly. Its order binds the civil administration in the two districts until voting is held there.
Polling in the seven constituencies was put off on law and order grounds. The commission cited that postponement when it froze official appointments and spending in the same areas.
How the reports differ
Dawn named Poonch and Sudhnoti districts, put the number of constituencies at seven, and reported that the decisions were taken at a meeting chaired by the Chief Election Commissioner. Ua.News carried a single-line aggregation that credited Dawn and described the move as Pakistan restricting the use of state resources, without the districts, the meeting or the duration of the curbs.
Police clear Rawalakot bus terminal as Awami Action Committee claims three dead
Poonch police say several officers were injured when armed men opened fire during the pre-dawn clearance; the banned committee says three of its workers were killed.
Protests in Muzaffarabad over killing of 10-year-old Shayan Azhar
News18 reported demonstrations in Azad Kashmir's capital over the boy's death, but no police or government statement has confirmed the circumstances or any arrests.
Azad Kashmir premier calls 27 October state's darkest day
Iftikhar Gilani marks Black Day with a message on 1947 and repeats his hope that the whole of Jammu and Kashmir will join Pakistan.
AJK cabinet approves special courts for overseas Kashmiris
The same meeting cleared healthcare upgrades and a two per cent share of the budget for sports, according to reports by The Nation and Dunya News.
Kashmiris to observe Black Day on October 27
The observance marks the 79th anniversary of Indian troops' arrival in Srinagar in 1947, with a shutdown and protests called, APP reports.
PML-N's Dr Najib Naqi Khan elected Azad Kashmir president
He defeated PPP's Chaudhry Latif Akbar by 32 votes to 13, filling the vacancy left by Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry's death in January.
PML-N's Najeeb Naqi elected 25th President of Azad Kashmir
He defeated PPP candidate Chaudhry Latif Akbar by 31 votes to 13 in the Legislative Assembly in Muzaffarabad.
AJK sets October 12 poll for Kashmir Council seats
The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Election Commission has announced a compressed timetable for four vacant seats, with nominations opening on October 1.