AJK fully prepared for polls as Mirpur voting begins Monday

Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) authorities have completed preparations for the first phase of the general elections, with

MUZAFFARABAD, July 26: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) authorities have completed preparations for the first phase of the general elections, with polling scheduled to begin in the Mirpur division on Monday.

AJK Chief Secretary Khushal Khan said all necessary arrangements had been finalised for the elections. He assured voters that the process would be conducted peacefully, transparently and fairly.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Election Commission Secretary Raja Mohammad Shakeel Khan, the chief secretary said the formal election process would begin on July 27 in accordance with the Constitution.

He said polling material had already been sent to returning officers and all state institutions were ready to perform their responsibilities during the elections.

Around 17,000 security personnel have been deployed to maintain peace during polling. Police contingents from all four provinces will also assist AJK Police with security arrangements.

Khushal warned that strict legal action would be taken against anyone attempting to disturb law and order or interfere with the electoral process.

Authorities are also monitoring social media activity ahead of polling. The chief secretary said action would be taken against individuals involved in spreading misleading propaganda aimed at creating confusion or disrupting the elections.

Election Commission Secretary Raja Mohammad Shakeel Khan said preparations for the first phase in Mirpur division had been completed. Polling material has already been delivered to the relevant polling stations.

Around 22,000 election staff have been assigned duties for the voting process. Khan said election personnel had received training to ensure that polling is conducted efficiently and transparently.

He said the chief election commissioner recently visited Mirpur and expressed satisfaction with the arrangements.

Police, Rangers and the Federal Constabulary have also been placed on high alert. Security officials will remain deployed to protect polling stations and voters.

Khan urged citizens to participate in the elections. He described voting as one of the most important democratic rights available to the public.

He also warned voters about misleading material circulating online. According to him, old videos related to election boycotts were being reshared on social media to create confusion.

The election official said no major untoward incident had been reported during the campaign. He added that political parties and candidates had accepted the election code of conduct.

He urged voters to ignore rumours and uncertainty and cast their votes for their preferred candidates.

The first phase of the AJK general elections will be held across Mirpur division on July 27.

The AJK Information Department has separately urged media organisations and journalists to exercise extra caution during election coverage. It asked them to publish only verified and balanced information, particularly during polling, counting and the announcement of results.

The department also warned against sharing unverified material that could create panic, confuse voters or affect public order during the sensitive election period.