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Situation remains extremely tense during the second phase of the ongoing assembly elections in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK). On one hand, the Pakistan government is claiming that these elections are transparent and fair, on the other hand, the ‘Joint Awami Action Committee’ (JAAC) has made very serious and sensational allegations against the Pakistan Army and administration. The committee says directly that in the name of elections in PoK, only a sham and election drama is being created, which is being conducted completely at gunpoint.

Electoral drama and blatant arbitrariness in the name of democracy

In an exclusive interview with CNN-News18, prominent AAC leader Umar Nazir Kashmiri expressed the organization’s strong stance, stating that his committee completely rejects this entire process. He clarified that the Awami Action Committee is not against any democratic process, but has always strongly demanded free, fair, and transparent elections. However, they will not tolerate any kind of fraud or military pressure politics in the name of elections. According to him, the current situation proves that an attempt is being made to forcibly impose their choice on the people of PoK.

95% of popular leaders were barred from contesting elections.

Umar Nazir Kashmiri made a major revelation, alleging that the election process has been heavily interfered with by the Pakistani military and intelligence agencies since its inception. Instead of providing a level playing field, approximately 95 percent of genuine and popular Kashmiri representatives were systematically barred from contesting the elections. Many candidates were threatened and undue pressure was applied to force them to withdraw from the electoral fray. Due to such repressive tactics, the credibility of these elections has been completely eroded, and the public has become completely disillusioned with the system.

Massive public boycott and the fight for ‘Right to Rule’

The AAC leader pointed out that in the first phase of elections in PoK, a large population openly and clearly boycotted the elections. People stayed home and distanced themselves from polling stations, expressing their displeasure. The same depressing atmosphere is being witnessed in the second phase as well. Omar Nazir stated bluntly that their struggle is not limited to elections, but rather for “Haq-e-Hukumrani,” meaning the right to self-governance, and “Haq-e-Malikiat,” meaning ownership of their own land and natural resources. Despite these sharp allegations, Pakistani officials claim that the elections are being conducted within the strictest security and law, but no concrete clarification has been issued by the Pakistani government or military.