LA-3 candidate Khawaja Tahir Ayub Lone has clarified that he will not campaign under the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) banner, stating that the party is not registered in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
In his statement, Khawaja Tahir Ayub Lone said that he is a patriotic Kashmiri and Pakistani who firmly believes in respecting the law, the Constitution, and state institutions. He stated that he will continue his political activities in full compliance with all legal requirements related to the electoral process and the electoral code of conduct.
He clarified that the purpose of his political activities is to serve the public, promote regional development, and address the problems faced by the people. Therefore, he said, he will ensure that every step he takes remains within the framework of the law.
He further emphasised that it is the responsibility of every candidate participating in the elections to respect electoral laws and avoid any action that could result in legal complications or misunderstandings.
He clarified his position regarding his election campaign, stating that since Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) is not a registered political party in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, he will not conduct his election campaign under the TLP platform.
It is worth mentioning here that the spokesperson for the Election Commission of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) had earlier made it clear that the general elections in Azad Kashmir will be held on July 27 as scheduled.
In a statement, the spokesperson said that the election schedule was announced on June 5 in accordance with the constitutional term of the Legislative Assembly and legal requirements.
The spokesperson dismissed speculation about the postponement of the general elections as baseless, stating that the election schedule was issued strictly in line with constitutional and legal obligations. He also rejected allegations of any ulterior motive behind the announcement, describing such claims as unfounded.
The spokesperson emphasised that holding elections on time is a constitutional responsibility and that the election schedule was not issued for any political purpose.
He further assured that the Election Commission of Azad Jammu and Kashmir is committed to ensuring that the elections are conducted in a transparent, free, and impartial manner.
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