MUZAFFFARABAD:Election preparations have been started for holding elections on seven seats of Azad Kashmir Legislative Assembly in Poonch and Sudhnoti districts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Election Commission Azad Kashmir has imposed ban on transfers, postings, creation of new posts, approval of new development schemes and use of public funds by ministers and members of the assembly in Poonch Division.

This decision was made during the meeting chaired by Election Commissioner Azad Jammu and Kashmir Justice (retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal. The meeting was attended by senior member Election Commission Khawaja Muhammad Ahsan, member Election Commission Syed Nazeer Hussain Gillani, Secretary Election Commission and other relevant officials. During the meeting, the application submitted by the political elders and representatives of Poonch and Sudhnoti districts was considered in detail.

The meeting issued directions for making the electoral process free, fair and transparent in these seven constituencies and provision of equal opportunities to all the candidates. During the meeting it was also decided that the government employees will remain impartial and will not use their influence in favor or against any candidate or run the election campaign of any candidate during the elections.

Election Commissioner said that action will be taken on solid proofs against the government officials, who will violate the decisions of the election commission. The action against the employees will include suspension or declaring the candidate disqualified. The orders of the election commission should come into force immediately.

Chief Secretary Azad Kashmir has dispatched the instructions of the election commission to the heads of all the departments and has directed them to issue directions for implementation of the directions of election commission.

The government and law and enforcement agencies have been directed to bring improvement in the circumstances for holding elections in these constituencies.