AJK chief election commissioner orders seizure of electric buses over code of conduct violation

The Chief Election Commissioner of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has ordered the seizure of electric buses provided during the ongoing election period, declaring that their provision violates the election code of conduct.

According to the Election Commission, the use of government resources during the election campaign is strictly prohibited, and any violation of the code of conduct will not be tolerated.

The commission said the distribution and use of the electric buses, which have been associated with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's initiative, had become controversial during the election campaign. It maintained that the provision of the buses was against the election code of conduct.

The Chief Election Commissioner stated that no new development scheme, public facility, or gift could be announced or distributed during the election period, reaffirming the commission's commitment to ensuring a level playing field for all contestants.

The Election Commission warned that strict action would be taken against any violation of the code of conduct and directed the relevant authorities to take the vehicles into official custody.

Political parties were also cautioned against using state resources for electoral purposes. The commission said it was closely monitoring the election campaign and would act against every reported violation to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections in Azad Kashmir.

Meanwhile, opposition parties described the controversy surrounding the electric buses as an attempt to gain political advantage during the election campaign.