AJK polls begin with 19,000 security personnel

The first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections is being held today across

The first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections is being held today across the Mirpur division, with authorities completing extensive arrangements for polling and security.

The first phase covers Mirpur, Bhimber and Kotli districts. Officials said all polling material has been delivered to the designated polling stations ahead of voting.

AJK Chief Secretary Khushal Khan and Election Commission Secretary Raja Muhammad Shakeel said the authorities were committed to ensuring free, fair and transparent elections.

They urged voters to exercise their democratic right peacefully. They also warned that strict action would be taken against anyone attempting to disrupt polling or create a law and order situation.

Officials advised voters and political workers to avoid spreading or believing unverified information circulating on social media. They said all stakeholders must follow the election code of conduct.

The AJK elections are being conducted in three phases. Polling in the Mirpur division is taking place today. The second phase will be held in Muzaffarabad on August 2, followed by the third phase in Poonch on August 10.

Security has been significantly increased across the three districts. Mirpur police authorities said a detailed security plan has been prepared to protect voters, election staff and polling stations.

Mirpur SSP Khurram Iqbal said security forces have adopted a three-layer strategy. Polling stations have been divided into highly sensitive, sensitive and normal categories. Security personnel and resources have been assigned according to the level of risk.

The district has also been divided into 56 security sectors. Each sector is being supervised by a deputy superintendent of police. Monitoring and rapid-response teams will remain active throughout the voting process.

Authorities have also prepared additional contingency arrangements to deal with emergencies. A second response force will be available if required, while a third security layer will operate under zonal commanders.

More than 1.4 million registered voters are expected to participate in the first phase across 13 constituencies. Authorities have established 2,454 polling stations containing 3,701 polling booths.

Around 3,500 election officials have been assigned duties for the polling process. Voting will take place from 8am to 5pm.

The 13 constituencies include four in Mirpur district, three in Bhimber and six in Kotli. Of the total polling stations, 1,965 have been classified as sensitive or highly sensitive.

More than 19,000 security personnel have been deployed across the division. The force includes around 17,000 police officers, while approximately 2,100 army personnel will remain available as a backup force.

A total of 288 candidates are contesting the 13 seats. The main political competition is expected to involve the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, Pakistan Peoples Party and Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party, along with several influential independent candidates.

Authorities have appealed to voters, candidates and political workers to cooperate with security personnel and maintain peace throughout polling.