Polling for the first phase of the 2026 Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections began peacefully across Mirpur Division on Monday, with more than 1.4 million registered voters eligible to cast their ballots under extensive security arrangements.
Voting started at 8:00 a.m. and will continue uninterrupted until 5:00 p.m., with security provided by police, the Pakistan Army, Rangers and other law enforcement agencies.
The elections are being held in three phases under a revised schedule announced by AJK Chief Election Commissioner Ghulam Mustafa Mughal on July 21.
The first phase covers all 13 constituencies in Mirpur Division, including four seats in Mirpur district, three in Bhimber and six in Kotli. Polling in Muzaffarabad Division and the 12 refugee constituencies is scheduled for August 2, while Poonch (Rawalakot) Division will vote on August 10.
The Election Commission has established 2,454 polling stations and 3,701 polling booths for the first phase, with around 22,000 election officials deployed to oversee the voting process.
Authorities have declared 1,965 polling stations as sensitive or highly sensitive. More than 19,000 security personnel have been deployed across Mirpur Division, including approximately 17,000 police officers, while 2,100 Army personnel remain on standby to assist if required.