MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Federal Ministers on Thursday held a high-level meeting to discuss the overall political situation, the electoral environment, and the law and order situation of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
The meeting was held at a private hotel in Muzaffarabad earlier today, where top leadership of PPP and PML-N were present, including federal ministers Rana Sanaullah and Amir Muqam.
Sardar Muhammad Yousuf and Murtaza Javed Abbasi were part of the PML-N delegation. Qamar Zaman Kaira, Nayyar Bukhari, Nadeem Afzal Chan, and Prime Minister of AJK Faisal Mumtaz Rathore attended the meeting from the PPP side.
According to sources, the PPP presented its concerns regarding the electoral process and the prevailing political situation, while the federal ministers assured the party that the issues would be addressed through mutual consultation.
Sources said both sides agreed to further strengthen security arrangements for the second and third phases of the AJK elections, with additional measures to be implemented in sensitive constituencies.
The meeting also agreed to further tighten security for the second phase of the general election in Muzaffarabad division, and additional arrangements will be made in sensitive areas, sources said.
It has also been reportedly agreed to prohibit the public display of weapons by political leaders and workers during the election campaign.
Sources further said that both parties also agreed to adopt a joint strategy to ensure foolproof security, stringent arrangements, and transparent, peaceful and fair conduct of the second and third phases of the AJK election, while emphasizing strict implementation of the election code of conduct and maintaining a peaceful electoral environment.
Moreover, the two parties further agreed to continue political talks and considered the establishment of a joint political committee aimed at improving relations between them.
Participants reaffirmed that conducting free, fair and peaceful elections in Azad Kashmir remains a common priority and expressed their commitment to reducing political tensions, maintaining continuity in contacts and enhancing cooperation, sources said.
