MIRPUR – Polling for the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections began on Monday across Mirpur Division, with voting continuing from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The first phase covers 13 constituencies in the three districts of Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber. A total of 296 candidates, including nominees of the Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) and independent candidates, are contesting the seats.
According to election authorities, 1,401,439 voters are registered in the 13 constituencies, including 725,118 men and 675,628 women.
A total of 2,454 polling stations have been established across Mirpur Division. These include 597 polling stations in Mirpur district’s four constituencies, 1,107 in Kotli district’s six constituencies and 608 in Bhimber district’s three constituencies.
Authorities said comprehensive security arrangements had been put in place for the polls. More than 17,000 security personnel and 22,000 election officials have been deployed as part of coordinated efforts to ensure peaceful, free and transparent voting.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Muzaffarabad on Sunday, AJK Chief Secretary Khushhal Khan and Election Commission Secretary Raja Muhammad Shakeel Khan said all available resources had been mobilised to ensure polling is conducted smoothly and without disruption.
Chief Election Commissioner of AJK, Justice (retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal, warned that legal action would be taken against anyone attempting to disrupt the voting process.
Chief Secretary Khushhal Khan said government departments, district administrations, law enforcement agencies and the Election Commission had completed all preparations ahead of polling day.
He added that all state institutions were fully prepared to facilitate peaceful elections and warned that the law would take action against anyone attempting to disrupt the electoral process or disturb public order.
The AJK Legislative Assembly elections are being held in three phases. Following polling in Mirpur Division, voting in Muzaffarabad Division and the refugee constituencies is scheduled for August 2, while the remaining constituencies in Rawalakot Division will vote under the revised election schedule.
