Police Officers Removed Over Alleged Negligence
The President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir has suspended several senior officials in Kotli district.
The disciplinary action follows allegations of negligence and misconduct during the first phase of regional elections.
Official notifications confirmed the removal of Senior Inspector General of Police Sartaj Aziz from his position.
Authorities have also initiated proceedings against him under the Civil Servants Act.
Syed Usman Azam has been appointed acting Senior Inspector General of Police.
SP Kotli Adeel Ahmed was also suspended over alleged failure to perform official duties.
The Station House Officer of Saddar Police Station Mirpur was removed on similar grounds.
The government said the action was necessary following serious concerns about election security and administrative performance.
Kotli Deputy Commissioner Suspended
The disciplinary measures also targeted the district’s civil administration.
Deputy Commissioner Kotli Imran Shaheen was suspended over allegations of misconduct.
Muhammad Usman Sarem has been appointed as the new Deputy Commissioner of Kotli.
The changes came amid growing criticism of the authorities’ response to violence and irregularities during polling.
Several incidents were reported across Mirpur division during the first phase of voting.
Clashes in Nakyal left several people injured.
In Samahni, Bhimber, an independent candidate was arrested under terrorism charges.
The candidate was accused of setting a polling station on fire.
Reports of violence and casualties among political workers were also received from Rawalakot.
The incidents raised serious questions about security arrangements and election management.
Opposition Questions Election Transparency
The Chief Election Commissioner maintained that polling was conducted freely and transparently.
However, opposition parties rejected those assurances.
The Pakistan Peoples Party accused the Election Commission of ignoring alleged irregularities.
The party also claimed that political incentives were offered by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz.
These allegations have not yet been independently confirmed.
The suspension of senior officials is being viewed as an effort to restore public confidence.
The government appears determined to demonstrate accountability following the election-day controversies.
Authorities are expected to continue reviewing the conduct of police and administrative officials.
Further disciplinary action could follow if investigators identify additional negligence or misconduct.
