Banned groups barred from contesting AJK elections

Pakistan has barred proscribed organisations from taking part in elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

The AJK government has issued an ordinance amending the Election Act. Under the presidential ordinance, the restriction on banned groups in Pakistan will also apply in AJK. Political parties banned in Pakistan, or those linked with such groups, will not be permitted to contest elections in Azad Kashmir.

The amendment ordinance also includes provisions concerning Jammu and Kashmir migrants of 1989 in relation to change of residence.

According to the ordinance, migrants residing in camps may change their place of residence and cast their vote from the new address.

The AJK president has formally issued the ordinance amending the Election Act.