AJK elections: Polling begins in Mirpur division under tight security

Polling began Monday in the first phase of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections, with voters casting ballots in 13 constituencies of Mirpur division.

A three-tier security plan is in place across the region. Authorities declared a public holiday in Bhimber, Mirpur and Kotli districts to allow residents to vote.

How many candidates are contesting the Mirpur division polls?

A total of 288 candidates are contesting seats in this first phase of AJK elections, according to the Election Commission. Voting is being held at 2,316 polling stations, of which 1,241 are classified as highly sensitive and 724 as sensitive.

Polling opened at 8 a.m. and will run until 5 p.m.

What security measures are in place for the Mirpur division vote?

Election monitoring has been organized into 13 zones and 205 sectors across the division, backed by 18,560 police and law enforcement personnel. Police form the first layer of security, while Pakistan Rangers (Punjab), Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) and the Federal Constabulary make up the second layer. The Pakistan Army provides a third layer, with roughly 2,100 troops deployed and Quick Response Force teams on standby for emergencies.

When will the remaining phases of AJK elections take place?

The vote is being staggered across three phases because of security concerns tied to the region. The second phase, covering nine constituencies in Muzaffarabad division and all 12 refugee constituencies, is set for Aug. 2. The third phase will follow on Aug. 10 in 11 constituencies of Poonch division.

What did the AJK chief election commissioner say about polling?

AJK Chief Election Commissioner Justice (R) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal urged the region's more than 1.4 million registered voters to turn out in large numbers on Sunday. He said extensive security arrangements had been made, including personnel and Quick Response Force teams stationed at polling sites, along with measures for voters traveling to and from the polls. Mughal warned that anyone attempting to disrupt the process would face strict legal action.

Did the planned protest march disrupt polling in Mirpur?

Mughal's warning followed an announcement by the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) of a planned long march from Mirpur division toward Muzaffarabad. JAAC core member Umar Nazir Kashmiri had said caravans would gather at a sit-in in Rawalakot before marching toward Muzaffarabad after Zuhr prayers on election day.

However, Mirpur's deputy inspector general of police said on Sunday evening that no participants had appeared for any rally heading toward Rawalakot. AJK Chief Secretary Khushal Khan also warned that anyone disrupting polling or public order would face legal action.

How did the AJK election campaign unfold before polling day?

The campaign drew active participation from Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. During a Friday rally in Mirpur, Nawaz said Kashmir should not be mistaken for Kashmore, and Mirpur should not be confused with Mirpurkhas, districts in Sindh where the PPP has long held power. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) also provided 10 electric buses to Muzaffarabad and Mirpur and announced development schemes, which the PPP said violated the election code of conduct.

Bilawal responded on Sunday, saying residents of Kashmir, Kashmore, Mirpur and Mirpurkhas were not prepared to compromise on their rights. He also criticized the electric bus and mobile hospital announcements made by Nawaz and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz ahead of the vote. Bilawal said anything built with public money is not a political gift but a public right, adding that he wanted Kashmiris to have rights to governance, ownership and employment.