MUZAFFARABAD(National Times)- The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Election Commission has imposed restrictions on government appointments, transfers, development schemes and distribution of public funds in seven constituencies of Poonch and Sudhnoti districts where the general elections were postponed due to law and order concerns.
The restrictions, aimed at preventing misuse of state resources and ensuring a level playing field for all candidates, will remain in force until the electoral process in the affected constituencies is completed.
The decisions were taken at a meeting chaired by Chief Election Commissioner retired Justice Ghulam Mustafa Mughal on Thursday, following complaints from political leaders and representatives of the two districts about possible irregularities during the postponement of elections.
Under the orders, all appointments and transfers of government employees, as well as the creation of new posts, have been prohibited in the seven constituencies. Any unavoidable appointment or transfer will require prior approval from the Election Commission.
Restrictions meant to prevent misuse of state resources
Ministers and members of the AJK Legislative Assembly have also been barred from distributing public funds, including development, Zakat, Auqaf, social action programme and Baitul Maal funds.
The commission has further prohibited the distribution of government materials, including electricity poles, water supply pipes, commercial and construction timber, and trees felled from forests.
Citing Section 116-B of the AJK Election Act, the commission has also banned the launch of new development schemes in the affected constituencies. However, routine development work under approved Annual Development Programme allocations may continue through the relevant government departments.
No candidate or their supporter will be allowed to inaugurate any development project, while government employees, other than those assigned security duties, have been barred from attending election-related public gatherings or participating in candidates’ campaigns.
The use of government vehicles for election rallies and processions has also been prohibited. The commission directed government employees to maintain political neutrality and refrain from using their official influence to support or oppose any candidate or participate in election campaigns.
Presiding over the meeting, Mr Mughal warned that violations would invite strict legal and disciplinary action under election laws, including immediate suspension of government employees found responsible and disqualification of candidates, provided complaints were supported by concrete evidence.
The restrictions will take effect immediately. The chief secretary has been directed to circulate the commission’s orders among all heads of government departments and ensure their strict implementation, leaving no room for departments to plead that they had not received the instructions in time.
The commission also called upon the AJK government and law enforcement agencies to take necessary measures to improve the law and order situation in the affected constituencies so that elections could be held at the earliest and public unease over the delay could be addressed.
