Polling postponed in parts of AJK over security concerns

Pakistan-administered Kashmir's election commission postponed polling in parts of Poonch and Sudhnoti districts on Friday, days before the final phase of regional legislative elections scheduled for Aug. 10. The commission cited security concerns in announcing the delay. Voting will still proceed as planned in Bagh and Haveli districts under the existing schedule.

Why was AJK polling postponed in Poonch and Sudhnoti?

The Election Commission postponed voting in Poonch's five constituencies and Sudhnoti's Palandri constituency after reviewing a report from the home secretary on law and order concerns in those areas. Political leaders and election candidates from the affected districts had also requested a delay, citing the prevailing security situation. The commission said a new date and revised schedule will be announced once the situation is reviewed.

Where will voting still take place on Aug. 10?

Polling will continue as scheduled in Bagh's three constituencies and Haveli's single constituency. These areas fall under Poonch Division alongside Poonch and Sudhnoti districts, where voting has now been deferred. The third phase originally covered 11 constituencies across all four districts.

What is driving the unrest in Poonch division?

The postponement follows weeks of protests demanding the abolition of 12 legislative seats reserved for people who migrated from Indian-administered Kashmir. The Joint Awami Action Committee has led the protests and has since been banned by the government under anti-terrorism laws. Pakistan's government has accused militant elements it says are pursuing a foreign agenda and receiving Indian funding of fueling the unrest.

Clashes between protesters and law enforcement in Rawalakot, in Poonch district, on July 27 reportedly resulted in several casualties. The commission's decision to postpone polling comes in the aftermath of that violence. Chief Election Commissioner Ghulam Mustafa Mughal said this week that law and order and voter safety were key factors in conducting the elections.

How many phases make up the AJK elections?

The Pakistan-administered Kashmir elections are being held across three phases. The first two took place in the Mirpur and Muzaffarabad divisions on July 27 and Aug. 2. The third phase, covering Poonch Division, was scheduled for Aug. 10 before Friday's partial postponement.

Can the new legislative assembly still be formed despite the delay?

Mughal said the new Legislative Assembly could still be formed even with voting delayed in some constituencies. He explained that elected members would be able to take their oaths and begin their duties after the Aug. 10 polls are completed elsewhere. The remaining Poonch and Sudhnoti seats would then be filled once rescheduled voting takes place.

What other restrictions have accompanied the unrest?

Pakistan's government has also tightened media access, instructing international outlets to seek permission before reporting outside major cities. The move follows foreign media coverage of the protests and elections in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The information ministry did not immediately respond to questions on whether the unrest prompted the new reporting guidelines.

The digital monitoring group NetBlocks reported internet restrictions during the first two phases of voting. Residents said the disruptions affected voter turnout in those areas. It remains unclear whether similar restrictions will apply during the rescheduled Poonch and Sudhnoti polling.