MIRPUR: Polling for the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections concluded on Monday across the Mirpur division, covering the districts of Mirpur, Kotli, and Bhimber, amid reports of clashes, allegations of rigging, and heightened security.
Voting began at 8:00am and continued until 5:00pm without any extension. Thousands of voters turned out to cast their ballots despite sporadic incidents of violence and political tension at several polling stations.
The election process was overshadowed by accusations of electoral irregularities from major political parties. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) alleged that armed supporters of a rival candidate attempted to influence voting in Kotli’s LA-12 constituency and urged the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Election Commission to intervene and ensure a free and transparent electoral process. The party also complained that slow mobile phone services hampered communication among election workers, media personnel, and emergency responders.
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the PPP traded accusations of rigging in several constituencies, while the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) also raised concerns over alleged irregularities in Bhimber district. Election officials have not yet issued a detailed response to the allegations.
A tragic incident was also reported from Kotli district’s Nakyal tehsil, where the PPP claimed one of its political workers lost his life during election-related violence, further escalating tensions on polling day. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
Security remained tight throughout the division, with police and law enforcement personnel deployed at sensitive polling stations to maintain order. While voting remained largely peaceful in many areas, isolated scuffles and confrontations were reported, prompting security officials to intervene swiftly.
The Election Commission is expected to begin the official vote count immediately after polling, with unofficial results likely to emerge later in the evening. Political observers say the outcome of the Mirpur division seats will play a significant role in shaping the overall composition of the next AJK Legislative Assembly.
