MIRPUR: The first phase of the 2026 Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections has started today (Monday).
Voting is taking place in 13 constituencies across the Mirpur Division, covering the districts of Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber.
Polling began at 8:00 a.m. and will continue until 5:00 p.m. Election authorities said all necessary arrangements have been completed, polling materials have been distributed, and comprehensive security measures have been put in place to ensure a peaceful voting process.
A total of 1,401,439 registered voters are eligible to cast their ballots in the 13 constituencies, including 725,118 men and 675,628 women.
To facilitate the election, 2,454 polling stations have been established across the division. These include 597 polling stations in Mirpur’s four constituencies, 1,107 in Kotli’s six constituencies, and 608 in Bhimber’s three constituencies.
The elections feature candidates from several political parties, including the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), and the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), alongside independent candidates. A total of 296 candidates are contesting the seats.
AJK Chief Election Commissioner Justice (Retd.) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal warned that anyone attempting to disrupt the voting process or undermine the electoral environment would face legal action.
AJK Chief Secretary Khushhal Khan said all state institutions are fully prepared to ensure peaceful elections and reiterated that strict action would be taken against anyone attempting to disturb law and order.
The first phase of the election is now underway, with attention focused on voter turnout and the results expected after polling concludes.
