Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah has alleged irregularities in the LA-10 Kotli constituency of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). He made the claims before polling formally began in the constituency.
The allegations have added to the political tension surrounding the first phase of AJK elections, where voting is taking place across 13 constituencies in Mirpur division.
Rana Sanaullah Alleges Irregularities Before Polling
In a statement, Rana Sanaullah claimed that a presiding officer and a patwari were caught carrying polling bags in the LA-10 Kotli constituency.
He urged the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and the Chief Election Commissioner to immediately investigate the matter.
According to Sanaullah, polling in the constituency should be stopped until the inquiry is completed. He argued that the allegations must be thoroughly examined before the electoral process continues.
Adviser Calls for Investigation
Rana Sanaullah also said that the election results from LA-10 should not be accepted until the findings of the investigation are made public.
Describing the incident, he called it “shameful and condemnable,” adding that it had damaged the credibility of the electoral process.
His remarks have intensified political debate as polling continues across the region.
Polling Continues Under Tight Security
The allegations surfaced during the first phase of voting in 13 constituencies of Mirpur division.
Authorities have already implemented strict security arrangements to ensure a peaceful polling process.
Meanwhile, political observers continue to closely monitor the contest between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), independent candidates and other political parties.
The election remains under close public and political scrutiny as voting progresses.
Election Commission Yet to Respond
The Election Commission has not yet issued a formal response to Rana Sanaullah’s allegations.
However, election officials had earlier stated that negligence or irregularities during the polling process would not be tolerated.
They also reaffirmed that all possible measures are being taken to ensure transparent, impartial and credible elections across Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
As the electoral process continues, attention is likely to remain focused on the LA-10 Kotli constituency until the allegations are addressed. Meanwhile, the Election Commission’s response may play a key role in shaping political reactions to the controversy.
