MUZAFFARBABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) retired Justice Abdul Rashid Sulehria announced on Saturday that army and Rangers would be deployed to take care of security during the forthcoming general elections in order to help the electorate exercise their right to vote in a fear-free atmosphere.

Speaking at a meeting of district returning officers (DROs) and returning officers (ROs) for 12 constituencies of Kashmiri refugees in Pakistan at Kashmir House in Islamabad, he said all resources would be utilised to ensure the polls are held in a free, fair and impartial manner.

In this regard, he exhorted the administration to fully coordinate and cooperate with the DROs and ROs.

Earlier, the DROs and ROs gave their suggestion to the CEC for trouble-free electoral exercise with special emphasis on foolproof security measures on the polling day.

The CEC assured them that arrangements would be taken and no pressure would be taken into account in this regard.

He also asked the election commission members to come up to the expectations of the public.

“It’s a big challenge for us and we have to meet it in a successful manner,” he said.

He expressed full faith in the EC members and other officers and said together they would overcome all difficulties.

Published in Dawn, July 11th, 2021