The schedule for the upcoming general elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) will be issued by June 4, Chief Election Commissioner Justice (retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal said on Sunday.
Speaking to a news channel, Mughal said it is the constitutional responsibility of the Election Commission to issue the election schedule at least 45 days in advance.
He noted that the term of the current Azad Kashmir Legislative Assembly is set to expire on August 4, adding that preparations are underway to ensure timely elections in accordance with constitutional requirements.
The chief election commissioner warned of potential constitutional implications if elections are not held on time. He said, in case of an electoral delay, an emergency could be declared, under which the president, prime minister and federal ministers would not be able to continue holding office.
His remarks come amid growing attention on the political timeline in Azad Kashmir, as stakeholders await the formal announcement of the election schedule.
The Election Commission is expected to finalize and release the detailed timetable within the first week of June, setting the stage for the electoral process ahead of the assembly’s dissolution deadline.