Elements Harming the State Will Have to Answer for Their Crimes: Rana Sanaullah

Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has said that elements involved in harming the state, taking up arms and misleading the public will have to face the law.

Speaking at a press conference alongside Federal Minister Amir Muqam, Rana Sanaullah said those involved in activities against the state would be held accountable for their actions.

He said individuals who take up arms, mislead the public or attempt to sabotage the Kashmir freedom movement would have to face legal action.

Rana Sanaullah urged those staging protests to end their sit-in so that by-elections could be held on the remaining seats and elected representatives could become part of the Azad Kashmir Assembly.

He said the forces behind the sit-in had failed to prevent the people of Azad Kashmir from exercising their right to vote.

Rana Sanaullah said the completion of polling would bring all three phases of the Azad Kashmir election process to an end.

Addressing allegations of rigging, he said those making such claims had so far failed to present any concrete evidence.

According to Rana Sanaullah, opponents were mainly citing voter turnout of 80 to 85 percent as evidence of alleged rigging. He said high turnout in some areas was not unusual because of strong family and community structures.

He explained that some polling stations recorded turnout of up to 80 percent due to local family and community networks.

The adviser added that even polling stations and union councils associated with opposition candidates recorded voter turnout of more than 80 percent.

Rana Sanaullah said the process of forming the Azad Kashmir Assembly and government would move forward according to the public mandate.

He added that after the elections, the formation of the assembly and government would be completed according to the constitutional procedure.