MUZAFFARABAD, 12 August, 2026 (Nosheen): Political tensions have escalated in Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s LA-17 Haveli constituency following a dispute over the recent election, with several vehicles allegedly vandalised in Hotar village.According to local sources, vehicle windows were smashed during the incident, while allegations were also made that passports and cash belonging to some individuals were taken.The incident reportedly took place outside the residence of Zahid Hashmi, a senior Pakistan Peoples Party leader and president of the International Kashmir Peace Forum Europe, in his native village of Hotar.
Local sources alleged that workers affiliated with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and an independent candidate attacked people present outside the residence. Several vehicles parked along the roadside were reportedly damaged.Some of the affected vehicles belonged to people who had travelled from Saudi Arabia to Haveli specifically to cast their votes. It was further alleged that passports and cash were taken from some individuals after the windows of their vehicles were smashed.Different claims have emerged regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident, while police have launched an investigation. Authorities said action would be taken against anyone found to have taken the law into their own hands on the basis of available evidence.The political atmosphere in LA-17 Haveli had already been tense following a recent election dispute. The District Returning Officer Haveli issued a notification on Wednesday declaring Pakistan Peoples Party candidate Faisal Mumtaz Rathore the winner in accordance with Form 27.
Following the notification, reports emerged of alleged attacks on PPP workers by PML-N supporters. The latest incident of vehicle vandalism in Hotar has further heightened tensions in the constituency.Residents have urged the administration and police to take indiscriminate action against those responsible and adopt effective measures to maintain law and order.Meanwhile, the PML-N has distanced itself from the incidents in Hotar and elsewhere, denying any involvement in attacks or vandalism.