The arrival of 10 electric buses provided by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to Azad Jammu and Kashmir sparked a political controversy ahead of the first phase of the regional elections, with the Pakistan Peoples Party alleging a violation of the election code of conduct.
The buses reached Muzaffarabad carrying banners featuring Maryam Nawaz’s photograph and describing the vehicles as a gift for the people of AJK. PML-N leaders and workers welcomed the convoy with slogans and celebrations.
The PML-N described the delivery as the fulfilment of a commitment made by party president Nawaz Sharif, who had announced several projects and development initiatives for AJK during the election campaign.
The PPP, however, termed the move “political bribery” and approached the AJK Election Commission, asking it to investigate the use of Punjab government resources during the campaign.
Election Commission Warns Parties
The AJK Election Commission warned political parties and candidates that violations of the election code would not be tolerated.
A commission spokesperson said federal and provincial ministers could participate in election campaigns but were prohibited from using official protocol, government vehicles, public resources or state machinery for electoral purposes.
The commission also said that announcing new development projects, financial packages or public welfare schemes after the issuance of the election schedule could constitute a code violation.
According to the warning, vehicles, equipment or relief goods provided by federal or provincial governments for electoral purposes could be confiscated, while legal action could be initiated against those responsible.
Political parties, ministers and candidates were directed to strictly observe the code to help ensure transparent elections and maintain public confidence in the process.
PPP Seeks Action Over Bus ‘Gift’
PPP Secretary General Nayyer Hussain Bukhari met AJK Chief Election Commissioner Justice (retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal and formally raised concerns over the delivery of the buses.
Bukhari alleged that public funds from Punjab were being used to influence AJK voters and questioned why the buses displayed photographs of the Punjab chief minister.
He urged the Election Commission to determine whether the delivery constituted an announcement or transfer of a public scheme after the election schedule had been issued.
The PPP leader also submitted a request seeking permission to operate a campaign-related “motivation service” in AJK and called for an early decision.
PPP spokesperson Shazia Marri separately urged the PML-N to present a clear programme for AJK instead of attacking political opponents, saying voters required solutions to employment, property and governance issues.
Election Arrangements Reviewed
Meanwhile, the AJK chief election commissioner chaired a meeting in Mirpur to review polling and security arrangements for the first phase of the elections.
District returning officers from Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber briefed the meeting, along with senior officials from the divisional administration and police.
The chief election commissioner expressed satisfaction with the security preparations and stressed that all institutions must work together to ensure free, fair, peaceful and impartial polling.
The first phase of the AJK Legislative Assembly elections was held across 13 constituencies in Mirpur Division on July 27. PML-N secured seven seats and PPP won three, according to unofficial and unconfirmed results reported as counting progressed.
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