Voting is underway across 13 constituencies in Mirpur Division during the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections, with election authorities deploying extensive security measures and suspending two presiding officers over alleged irregularities.
Election materials were successfully delivered to all polling stations across four constituencies in Mirpur, three in Bhimber, and six in Kotli, where 288 candidates are contesting. The main competition is expected between candidates of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), while the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) and independent candidates are also in the race.
According to official figures, Mirpur Division has 1,400,437 registered voters, including 724,811 men and 675,626 women. A total of 2,316 polling stations have been established, with 1,241 classified as highly sensitive and 724 as sensitive.
To ensure peaceful polling, 18,560 security personnel have been deployed, supported by 2,100 Pakistan Army troops assigned to election security duties.
Chief Election Commissioner of AJK Justice (Retired) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal warned that anyone attempting to disrupt the voting process would face legal action. Chief Secretary Khushhal Khan said all state institutions were fully prepared to ensure peaceful elections and maintain law and order.
Meanwhile, the AJK Election Commission suspended two presiding officers after they allegedly left for a private residence instead of reporting to their assigned polling stations. Returning officers immediately took custody of the polling bags and appointed replacement officials to continue the polling process.
The Election Commission spokesperson said legal proceedings had been initiated against the suspended officials under election laws, stressing that negligence or irregularities would not be tolerated and that every effort was being made to ensure transparent and impartial elections.
Earlier, PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah had called for the suspension of polling in LA-10 Kotli and demanded an inquiry from the Prime Minister of AJK and the Chief Election Commissioner over alleged electoral irregularities.
