AJK elections begin as over 1.4 million voters head to polls in Mirpur division

MIRPUR, July 27: AJK elections entered their first phase on Monday as polling began across 13 constituencies in Mirpur division under extensive security arrangements.

Polling started at 8:00am and will continue until 5:00pm. Authorities declared a public holiday in Bhimber, Mirpur and Kotli districts to facilitate voters.

More than 1.4 million registered voters are eligible to cast their ballots in the first phase of the elections.

288 candidates contest first phase

A total of 288 candidates are competing for seats in the first phase.

According to the Election Commission, voters will cast their ballots at 2,316 polling stations. Officials have declared 1,241 polling stations as highly sensitive and 724 as sensitive.

Election authorities also established 13 monitoring zones and 205 sectors to oversee polling activities across the division.

Captain Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed remembered as Pakistan marks 78th martyrdom anniversary

Heavy security deployed across Mirpur division

Authorities deployed 18,560 personnel from the police and other law enforcement agencies under a three-tier security plan.

Police are providing the first layer of security. Meanwhile, Pakistan Rangers (Punjab), Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) and the Federal Constabulary are securing the second layer.

The Pakistan Army is responsible for the third security layer. In addition, around 2,100 army personnel have been deployed, while Quick Response Force teams remain on standby for emergencies.

Polls to continue in three phases

The Election Commission decided to hold the AJK elections in three phases because of security considerations.

The second phase will take place on August 2 in nine constituencies of Muzaffarabad division and all 12 refugee constituencies.

The final phase is scheduled for August 10 in 11 constituencies of Poonch division.

CEC urges voters to participate

On Sunday, Chief Election Commissioner Justice (retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal urged citizens to vote in large numbers.

He said authorities had made comprehensive security arrangements to ensure peaceful polling. He also warned that anyone attempting to disrupt the electoral process would face strict legal action.

Chief Secretary Khushal Khan issued a similar warning and said the government would act firmly against anyone disturbing public order.

Authorities dismiss protest concerns

The warnings followed social media calls by the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) for a long march from Mirpur division towards Muzaffarabad.

However, Mirpur DIG Police said no participants gathered for the planned protest and no march took place.

Bilawal and Nawaz dominate election campaign

The election campaign featured intense political exchanges between PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif.

During a rally in Mirpur, Nawaz Sharif criticised the PPP and drew comparisons between Kashmir and Kashmore as well as Mirpur and Mirpurkhas.

The PML-N also announced development initiatives, including electric buses and mobile healthcare services for AJK.

In response, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said public projects funded by taxpayers should not be presented as political gifts.

He argued that the people of Kashmir deserved better governance, employment opportunities and greater ownership of their resources.