ISLAMABAD: The federal government has pledged its full support to the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) administration to maintain law and order and ensure the peaceful conduct of elections, amid allegations that banned groups are attempting to disrupt the electoral process.

Speaking at a joint press conference in Islamabad on Tuesday, State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry said the Centre would stand firmly with the AJK government in dealing with agitators accused of creating unrest and trying to sabotage the elections.

He was accompanied by Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar, who reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the democratic process and maintaining peace across the region.

Government Condemns Election Disruption Attempts

Talal Chaudhry’s remarks came after violent clashes in Rawalakot, where supporters of the banned Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) reportedly confronted law enforcement personnel during ongoing protests.

Earlier in the day, the AJK government alleged that the proscribed organisation had attempted to derail the election process through violence and public disorder.

AJK Officials Detail Security Situation

Addressing a separate press conference in Muzaffarabad, AJK Secretary Information Muhammad Rashid Hanif said the banned JAAC had tried to disrupt the peaceful electoral environment by inciting unrest in different areas.

He was joined by AJK Police spokesperson DIG Irfan Masood Kashfi, who briefed the media on the security situation following clashes between protesters and law enforcement officials in Rawalakot.

According to DIG Kashfi, some protesters were allegedly carrying automatic weapons during the demonstrations, posing a serious threat to public safety and the electoral process.

Authorities Vow Peaceful Elections

The federal and AJK governments reiterated that every effort would be made to ensure free, fair, and peaceful elections across the region. Officials urged citizens to cooperate with law enforcement agencies, avoid unlawful activities, and help maintain peace during the election period.

Authorities stressed that strict action would be taken against anyone found attempting to disrupt the democratic process or threaten public order, adding that security arrangements had been strengthened in sensitive areas to ensure the safety of voters and polling staff.