Manzoor Ahmad Pakhtoon Re-Elected Chairman, Bashir Pala Elected Vice Chairman of KHBOA

Srinagar, August 30 (PTK): The Kashmir Houseboat Owners Association (KHBOA) on Saturday successfully conducted elections for its key posts, including Chairman, Vice Chairman, and five executive positions—General Secretary, Secretary, Publicity Secretary, Accountant, and Treasurer. Except for the posts of Chairman and Vice Chairman, all other positions were filled through nominations without any contest.

A total of 314 members exercised their franchise to elect the new leadership of the association. The elections witnessed enthusiastic participation and a competitive contest between candidates.

For the Chairman’s post, two contestants were in the fray. Manzoor Ahmad Pakhtoon secured a resounding victory with 270 votes, defeating his closest rival, Peer Amin, who managed only 35 votes, losing by a margin of 235 votes. This marks Pakhtoon’s second consecutive term as Chairman of the KHBOA.

In the Vice Chairman’s contest, 314 votes were also cast. Bashir Pala emerged victorious with 198 votes, defeating his opponent, Faisal Khankashi, who polled 106 votes, by a margin of 92 votes. With this victory, Pala has been elected as Vice Chairman of the association.

With the election of its new leadership, the KHBOA is expected to play a crucial role in addressing the pressing challenges faced by the houseboat industry and in working for the welfare of its members.

Speaking to the media after his re-election, Chairman Manzoor Ahmad Pakhtoon expressed his gratitude to the members for their overwhelming support. “First of all, I am thankful to all members who cast their votes and made our elections successful. I am also thankful to the contesting candidates, Peer Amin Sahib and Faisal Khankashi Sahib, along with other senior members who were part of this election. I had earlier made my manifesto clear—that our pending issues need to be resolved. Having already served as Chairman for the past two years, I am once again grateful to the members for giving me the opportunity to continue serving them,” he said.

Manzoor Pakhtoon further assured that the association would take up all pending issues with the government on a priority basis. He also extended his thanks to the media, authorities, and police for ensuring the smooth conduct of the elections.

Meanwhile, senior members and dignitaries of the KHBOA congratulated Pakhtoon on being re-elected as Chairman, reaffirming their support for the new leadership.(PTK)