MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): In a significant development, the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Election Commission has started working for the development of a computerized electoral roll system in AJK, aimed at enhancing transparency in the electoral process.
In this regard, the AJK Election Commission and Information Technology signed an agreement with the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) on Tuesday, a press release issued by the spokesperson AJK Election Commission said.
The signing ceremony was held at NADRA Headquarters in Islamabad.
Under the agreement, NADRA will develop and provide a computerized electoral roll system to the AJK Election Commission, the statement reads, adding that the system will be installed in 10 district offices and 4 other offices of the commission.
NADRA will also supply the necessary software and hardware and will arrange training sessions to build the capacity of the Election Commission staff to use this modern technology efficiently, it added.
Furthermore, the statement said, NADRA will offer full technical support to ensure the system remains fully functional. Following the installation of the system, the database authority will facilitate the updating of electoral rolls.
“Modern information technology will be utilized for processes such as the preparation and registration of voters, issuance, conversion, and verification of votes, as well as delimitation and formation of constituencies,” it stated.
The agreement was signed by Secretary Election Commission Raja Muhammad Shakeel Khan, Secretary AJK Information Technology Rashid Hanif, and Rehman Qamar, Chief Project Officer, on behalf of NADRA.
Member Election Commission Syed Nazir-ul-Hasan Gilani and Chairman NADRA Lieutenant General Muhammad Munir Afsar were also present on the occasion.
In another development, Chairman NADRA Lt. Gen. Afsar assured full cooperation in making the AJK electoral process transparent during a meeting with Member Election Commission Syed Nazir-ul-Hassan Gilani today.
The meeting involved detailed discussions on proposals to improve transparency, including the registration of Kashmiri identity in national identity cards for refugees residing in Pakistan.
They also discussed the reduction in charges for printing electoral rolls and the establishment of a joint working group between NADRA and the Election Commission.
Moreover, the Chairman NADRA and Syed Nazir-ul-Hassan discussed the preservation of records of the AJK Election Commission, NADRA’s support in implementing polling schemes using modern IT, and necessary training for Commission staff.
Secretary Election Commission Raja Muhammad Shakeel Khan, Secretary IT Rashid Hanif, and senior NADRA officials were also present at the meeting.
