ISLAMABAD: Former AJK prime minister Sardar Muhammad Yaqub Khan on Wednesday called for holding all elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir on the same day and at the same time to avoid controversy, confusion or allegations of political influence.

Speaking at a press conference at the National Press Club along with JUI leader Maulana Saeed Yousuf, he said unnecessary disputes over the electoral process should be avoided as they could affect the sensitivity of the state and Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir.

“Azad Kashmir is the base camp of Pakistan and the Kashmiri people have always stood with Pakistan,” he said.

Mr Yaqub argued that holding elections for seats of Jammu and Kashmir refugees residing in Pakistan before the AJK polls would give rise to speculation.

“It would be better to hold polling for all AJK seats simultaneously. The constitution also provides room for such an arrangement,” he said.

He said all political parties were of the view that the people of the state should get the right to express their opinion at the same time. “This will increase confidence in the electoral process and leave no room for objections,” he added.

Published in Dawn, July 23rd, 2026