MUZAFFARABAD, Polling is underway in the first phase of elections for the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly, with voters casting ballots across 13 constituencies in the Mirpur Division, covering the districts of Mirpur, Kotli, and Bhimber.
Election materials were distributed to polling stations ahead of voting, while authorities implemented extensive security measures to ensure a peaceful electoral process.
A total of 296 candidates are contesting the first phase of the election, representing major political parties including the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), as well as a large number of independent candidates.
Chief Election Commissioner of Azad Kashmir, Justice (Retd.) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal, warned that strict legal action would be taken against anyone attempting to disrupt the voting process or interfere with polling operations.
Meanwhile, Chief Secretary Khushhal Khan said state institutions were fully prepared to conduct peaceful elections, emphasizing that maintaining law and order remained a top priority throughout the polling process.
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He added that authorities would act firmly against any attempts to disturb public order or obstruct the democratic process.
The first phase marks the beginning of the electoral process for the new Azad Kashmir Legislative Assembly, with additional phases of voting expected to follow in other regions.
