The leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), Khawaja Ijaz Rafique, alleged that significant protests and public resistance hindered the electoral process in the Muzaffarabad Division. These claims were echoed by the party’s official account on the social media platform X. Rafique condemned the force used by security personnel against demonstrators, asserting that such actions undermined the integrity of the electoral process.

In a statement on X, Rafique reported that the city of Muzaffarabad, along with several adjoining districts, was enveloped in protests before polling commenced. He claimed that major highways were obstructed and citizens took to the streets, impeding the movement of polling staff. He added that security forces reportedly resorted to force to facilitate the transport of election personnel.

Rafique also detailed incidents of gunfire occurring on Neelum Road, indicating that security forces faced resistance from members of the public during their attempts to manage polling logistics. He asserted that these protests resulted in polling staff being unable to reach several polling stations, leading to the postponement of voting in three union councils within the Kotli and Lachrat constituencies.

Postponement of Polling Due to Protests

The postponement of polling, as stated by Rafique, was directly attributed to the ongoing public protests and the deteriorating security situation. He alleged that authorities were attempting to obscure the real reasons behind the postponement by citing unfavourable weather conditions. He contended that these elections did not accurately represent the public’s views, labelling them as a “rigged, selection-based, and sham electoral process.” Rafique highlighted the public’s rejection of this electoral framework through their widespread protests and boycotts.

In support of Rafique’s claims, PTI PoJK accused the authorities of misleading the public regarding the reasons for the postponed polling. They alleged that the decision was heavily influenced by the protests rather than any environmental factors as stated by the officials. The power dynamics between the public and the authorities were clearly at play, according to the party’s assertions, suggesting a deep-rooted dissatisfaction with the electoral system.

Demonstrations concerning the situation in Muzaffarabad were not confined to the region itself. PTI PoJK reported that a protest took place in Luton, United Kingdom, where participants condemned the alleged killings of unarmed Kashmiris by the Pakistan Rangers. The demonstrators demanded the provision of basic rights and expressed solidarity with the affected families in PoJK.

Condemnation of Police Actions

The PTI PoJK also condemned the police’s alleged excessive force during the transportation of polling staff amidst the unrest in Muzaffarabad. According to reports, a complete shutdown was observed as citizens flocked to the streets to voice their dissent. PTI PoJK maintained that the response from law enforcement included firing into the crowd, which exacerbated the already volatile situation and further delayed polling activities.

Rafique and PTI PoJK reiterated their condemnation of the actions taken by police and Pakistan Rangers against peaceful demonstrators. The party portrayed these actions as excessive and unjustifiable under any circumstances. They claimed that the people’s overwhelming boycott signalled a resounding message against what they described as a façade of democracy.

As the situation in Muzaffarabad continues to unfold, PTI PoJK emphasised the need for transparency and accountability in the electoral process. They urged for recognition of the genuine public sentiment and the challenges posed by the prevailing law and order issues. The ongoing protests signify the broader unrest regarding the legitimacy of the elections in the region.

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