The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Election Commission has suspended and arrested two presiding officers in Kotli after they were allegedly caught transporting polling materials to a private residence instead of their designated polling station. Election officials said a returning officer intercepted the officers, seized the polling bags, and immediately appointed replacement presiding officers to ensure voting continued without disruption. The commission confirmed that legal proceedings have been initiated against the officials, reiterating its commitment to ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections while taking strict action against any irregularities.
The incident triggered a political response, with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) senior leader Rana Sanaullah calling for the immediate suspension of polling in the LA-10 Kotli constituency. He urged the Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir and the Chief Election Commissioner to order a thorough investigation into the actions of the accused officials and determine the intended destination of the polling materials. Sanaullah argued that voting should remain suspended until the inquiry is completed, particularly because the constituency is being contested by AJK Peoples Party President Chaudhry Yasin.
The Election Commission has emphasized that election integrity remains its highest priority and that any negligence or misconduct by polling staff will be dealt with under the law. Authorities said replacement officials were deployed promptly to prevent disruption to the electoral process, while investigations continue to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether any further legal or administrative action is required.
