MUZAFFARABAD/KOTLI: Thousands of Kashmiris living in Pakistan’s various cities arrived in the state’s capital Muzaffarabad and other districts of the state in the last couple of days to cast their votes in Thursday’s elections for Azad Jammu Kashmir Legislative Assembly.
A huge rush of people was witnessed at the bus terminals and wagon stands during the last two days as hundreds of families arrived from the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Lahore, Multan, Karachi and other cities of Pakistan where a huge number of Kashmiris are settled for business, jobs or other purposes.
People arrived in large numbers, some in their own vehicles, to exercise their right to vote and support their favourite parties and candidates in the elections. “I’ve been here for the last 30 years but have never seen such a number people flocking to their villages and towns to cast their votes,” said Pino Khan, who runs a fruit and vegetable shop near Kotli city’s bus terminal.
Hanif Sabir, a retired Pakistan Air Force officer, along with his family members had arrived from Islamabad in Kotli city on Wednesday, told this news agency that he had never cast his vote in the past but this time he decided to use this right.
“Yes, I’m here to vote for my favourite party. I think we should support the people who can serve our people and area in a better way,” he said without divulging the details to whom he was going to vote on the polling day.
Nazir Ahmed, a student from Lahore, arrived at Muzaffarabad bus terminal while expressing the similar sentiments said, “People are becoming more and more aware about their rights now. I’m sure the turn out in these elections will be exemplary.”
He said that several of his friends were also arriving from Karachi and other cities of Pakistan to use their voting right. Similar reports of arrival of voters were also received from the main bus terminals of other districts of AJK. Meanwhile, a huge number of overseas Kashmiris also arrived in the last couple of days to poll votes and elect their representatives for the next term.
