MUZAFFARABAD — The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Election Commission on Saturday issued a strong reminder that no individual, political party, or government institution will be allowed to violate the electoral code of conduct during the ongoing election campaign.
The warning comes after the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) filed a formal complaint accusing the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) of “political bribery.” The allegations relate to public rallies in Muzaffarabad and Mirpur, where former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced new development schemes, including the introduction of a 10-unit e-bus fleet for the region.
آزاد کشمیر انتخابات میں ضابطۂ اخلاق کی خلاف ورزی کسی صورت برداشت نہیں کی جائے گی،الیکشن کمیشن pic.twitter.com/fSzzqLues2
— Kashmir Digital (@KashmirDigital1) July 25, 2026
Directives on State Resources and Public Schemes
An official spokesperson for the AJK Election Commission clarified the rules governing the participation of federal and provincial authorities to ensure a level playing field.
- Ministers’ Participation: Federal and provincial ministers may take part in political campaigning but are strictly barred from using state machinery, official protocol, or public funds.
- Prohibition on New Development Projects: Announcing fresh financial packages, development schemes, public facilities, or welfare projects during the campaign period is considered a clear violation of electoral rules.
- Confiscation Mechanism: Any vehicles, machinery, relief supplies, or state resources deployed by federal or provincial governments for campaign purposes will be seized, and legal action will be taken against those responsible.
Advisory for Media Coverage and Social Media Operations
Alongside the warnings to political parties, AJK Secretary Information Muhammad Rashid Hanif and Director Information Tariq Jamil Durrani issued a joint advisory to news organisations, journalists, and digital platforms.
| Stakeholder Category | Mandatory Guidelines & Rules |
|---|---|
| News Outlets & Journalists | Maintain impartial, verified, and professional coverage; strictly follow the Election Commission’s journalistic code of ethics. |
| Broadcasters & Publishers | Avoid publishing unverified rumours, speculative reports, or inflammatory content that could disturb public order. |
| Social Media Users | Refrain from spreading misleading or fake news that could undermine the electoral process. |
The Election Commission stressed that full compliance with the code of conduct by all political figures, candidates, and media personnel is crucial to maintaining public confidence and ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
