Pakistan to hold PoK elections on July 25

Islamabad, June 10

Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's top election official announced on Thursday to hold the general election for the Legislative Assembly on July 25, despite appeals to postpone the polls for two months due to the threat of resurgence of the Covid.

Last year, Pakistan conducted the Legislative Assembly election in Gilgit-Baltistan. India had slammed Pakistan for its decision to hold elections in Gilgit-Baltistan, saying any action to alter the status of the militarily-occupied region had no legal basis.

Last yr’s elections drew criticism

• Last year, Pakistan conducted the Assembly election in Gilgit-Baltistan.
• India had slammed Pakistan for its decision to hold elections in Gilgit-Baltistan, saying any action to alter the status of the militarily-occupied region had no legal basis.
• India has said J&K and Ladakh were an integral part of the country.

India has also clearly conveyed to Pakistan that the entire Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, including the areas of Gilgit and Baltistan, are an integral part of the country. Chief Election Commissioner Justice (retd) Abdul Rashid Sulehria said candidates could submit their nomination papers till June 21 and the final list would be released on July 3. The elections will be held to elect 45 representatives of the Legislative Assembly. — PTI