MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): After 40 years, the Traders Association elections, in Kundal Shahi, Neelum Valley, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), were held at Government Boys High School under strict security, where Dawood Qureshi won with 256 votes against Hafiz Naseeruddin Mughal’s 175, leading to celebrations by his supporters and a graceful concession by his opponent, today.
After a forty-year hiatus, Kundal Shahi managed to conduct Traders’ Association elections to become the commercial district of Neelum Valley. Two candidates representing the Pakistan People’s Party participated in the electoral contest: Hafiz Naseeruddin Mughal and Dawood Qureshi.
Polling activities occurred at Government Boys High School Kundal Shahi under the protection of police forces. The polling period ran from 9am until 3pm to offer all qualified voters safe and properly managed opportunities for ballot casting. Dawood Qureshi took the win in the election as he secured 256 votes out of 434 cast votes over Hafiz Naseeruddin Mughal who received 175 votes. Dawood Qureshi has secured the Traders’ Association presidency for two years after his recent victory.
The regional citizens celebrated after the result declaration spread throughout the area. The supporters of Dawood Qureshi displayed their enthusiasm through dancing and chanting of slogans backed by drum music after his election victory. The success of their leader led voters and traders to celebrate widely with clear signs of enthusiasm. Supporters of Dawood Qureshi approached him personally to share congratulations in addition to general crowd applause and cheers displayed by others.
Rare sportsmanship appeared when Hafiz Naseeruddin Mughal showed dignity by accepting his loss. He showed outstanding respect and unity by wrapping a garland around Dawood Qureshi’s neck after which he congratulated his competitor on his win. Traders within the community displayed a positive spirit of competition through his well-received gesture.
The trading community in Kundal Shahi positions this election as a major historical milestone because it occurred after 40 years without any voting. Traders in the region will receive improved business-boosting initiatives as Dawood leads them forward according to current expectations. The successful elections served as proof of how the democratic process can be enhanced for business organizations that operate at local levels.
Residents alongside traders maintain optimism regarding the upcoming solutions which the elected leadership will deliver to address their concerns while advancing local economic stability.
