Polling ends in first phase of AJK election as isolated clashes briefly disrupt voting

Polling closed on Monday in the first phase of the elections in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, also known as Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Voting was largely peaceful but briefly disrupted by isolated clashes between rival political party workers, election officials and police said.

The election comes weeks after Azad Jammu and Kashmir was rocked by anti-government protests over governance and economic issues. Authorities reached agreements with protest leaders ahead of the vote, helping restore relative calm, though political tensions remained high.

When did voting take place in the first phase of the AJK elections?

Voting was held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. across 13 constituencies in Mirpur division, covering the districts of Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber, before authorities extended polling by one hour.

The election is being conducted in three phases for the 45 directly elected seats of the 53-member AJK Legislative Assembly, with the remaining phases scheduled for Aug. 2 and Aug. 10.

How many candidates and polling stations were involved?

A total of 288 candidates contested the 13 seats in the first phase, while more than 1,224 candidates are contesting the election overall.

According to the Election Commission, voting took place at 2,316 polling stations, including 1,241 classified as "highly sensitive" and 724 as "sensitive." Authorities declared a public holiday across Mirpur division to facilitate polling.

What caused the clashes during voting?

Voting was briefly suspended at some polling stations in Kotli district after scuffles broke out between supporters of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). Both parties accused each other of attempting to rig the vote, and polling later resumed. AJK Inspector General of Police Liaqat Ali Malik said the incidents were part of political activity and that verbal disputes could arise where contests were closely fought.

He said Quick Response Force (QRF) teams responded promptly to an incident in LA-6 and to a fire reported at a polling station in Bhimber. Authorities said they would take legal action against anyone attempting to disrupt the electoral process, regardless of political affiliation. Mirpur Commissioner Raja Tahir Mumtaz Khan said, after visiting several polling stations, that voting proceeded with security arrangements fully in place.

How much security was deployed for the AJK elections?

Security was tightened across the division, with 18,560 personnel from police and other law enforcement agencies deployed under a three-tier security plan.

Police formed the first layer of security, Pakistan Rangers and the Federal Constabulary the second, and the Pakistan Army the third. Around 2,100 army personnel were also deployed, supported by QRF teams.

When are the next phases of the AJK election?

The election is being held in three phases because of security considerations.

The second phase, on Aug. 2, will cover Muzaffarabad division and all 12 refugee constituencies located across Pakistan, while the third phase, on Aug. 10, will be held in Poonch division. Among those casting ballots on Monday was AJK Chief Justice Raja Saeed Akram Khan, who voted at a polling station in Samahni, Bhimber district.

Who are the main rivals in the AJK election?

The PPP and PML-N, coalition partners in Pakistan's federal government, have emerged as the main rivals in the AJK election despite governing together at the national level.

Their campaigns have been marked by increasingly sharp exchanges ahead of the vote. More than 1.4 million registered voters are eligible to cast ballots in the three-phase election, with AJK Chief Election Commissioner Ghulam Mustafa Mughal urging voters on Sunday to participate in large numbers.