Polling is currently underway in the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections, with voting scheduled from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today. The elections cover 13 constituencies across three districts within the Mirpur division: Mirpur, Kotli, and Bhimber.
A total of 288 candidates are contesting the seats, representing major parties including the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party, as well as independent candidates. The combined number of registered voters in these constituencies is 1,441,439, with 2,454 polling stations established throughout the division.
Robust security measures have been implemented to ensure a smooth electoral process. In Bhimber, Section 144 has been enforced to maintain law and order and create a peaceful environment for voters.
In a significant development, the Chief Election Commissioner of AJK, Justice (retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal, warned that strict legal action would be taken against anyone attempting to interfere with the voting process. He emphasized that voting represents the people’s power and encouraged all eligible voters in Kashmir to exercise their democratic right.
Meanwhile, AJK Chief Secretary Khushal Khan highlighted the public’s trust in the democratic process, noting that citizens have rejected attempts to create disorder. He assured that all state institutions are fully prepared to facilitate peaceful elections and that any efforts to disrupt the process will be met with legal consequences.
In Mirpur division, Commissioner Raja Tahir Mumtaz Khan conducted visits to multiple polling stations to oversee the election proceedings, security arrangements, and public facilities. He reported that election staff are performing their duties diligently and that polling is progressing peacefully across the division.
The commissioner confirmed that the law and order situation remains stable in Mirpur, Bhimber, and Kotli, with comprehensive security deployments at polling locations. Security forces are actively engaged to maintain order and prevent any incidents. He also remarked on the strong voter turnout as an encouraging sign, adding that no untoward events have been reported so far.
Specifically in Bhimber, polling has been peaceful since the start of voting at 8 a.m. Large numbers of male and female voters have been seen heading to polling stations, accompanied by a significant presence of the Pakistan Army, police, and other security personnel. The atmosphere remains calm and orderly, with effective security measures credited for maintaining peace throughout the polling process.
