Security measures strengthened ahead of second phase of Azad Kashmir elections

Chief Election Commissioner of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, retired Justice Ghulam Mustafa Mughal, has said that the law and order situation in Muzaffarabad has improved, following concerns over uncertainty and security challenges in the city.

Justice (retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal said that while there had been an atmosphere of uncertainty in Muzaffarabad the previous day, the situation had now become more stable and peaceful. He added that additional security personnel had been deployed at the two most sensitive constituencies in the region to ensure peaceful polling.

The chief election commissioner said that security arrangements for elections on migrant seats in Pakistan were the responsibility of the relevant provincial governments. He explained that election materials had been dispatched to polling stations and that presiding officers had also left for their assigned areas.

“Election equipment has been sent to the polling stations, and presiding officers have moved toward their respective locations,” he said, adding that in some remote areas, the transportation of election materials was continuing gradually due to logistical challenges.

Justice Mughal confirmed that polling in Muzaffarabad would take place the following day and identified two constituencies—LA-5 Khawora and LA-3 Lajrat—as highly sensitive areas requiring additional security arrangements.

He said extra security forces had been deployed at sensitive polling stations, while Quick Response Force units would also remain available throughout the polling process. In the event of any emergency or disturbance, the quick response teams would immediately intervene to control the situation and maintain peace.

The chief election commissioner expressed confidence that the security arrangements would help ensure a smooth and transparent election process. He emphasized that all necessary measures were being taken to protect voters, polling staff, and election officials.

Meanwhile, preparations for the second phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections have been completed. Polling will be held in three districts of the Muzaffarabad division as well as on 12 seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees living in Pakistan.

According to the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Election Commission, the Muzaffarabad division consists of three districts: Muzaffarabad, Neelum, and Jhelum Valley. More than 890,000 registered voters are eligible to cast their ballots across these areas.

A total of 208 candidates are contesting elections in nine constituencies across the three districts. The voting process will also include refugee seats representing Jammu and Kashmir Valley migrants who are currently residing in Pakistan.

The Election Commission stated that six seats representing Jammu and six seats representing the Valley will be contested by Kashmiri refugees living in Pakistan. These seats are part of the legislative structure of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and allow displaced communities to participate in the political process.

Authorities have increased security arrangements across polling areas to prevent any disruption and ensure that voters can exercise their right peacefully. Election officials have also directed security agencies and administrative departments to remain alert throughout polling day.

The second phase of voting is being closely monitored due to the importance of the constituencies involved and previous concerns regarding security. Officials have assured that all necessary steps have been taken to conduct free, fair, and peaceful elections in the region.