Consultations were underway on whether to delay the 2026 elections in Poonch division of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) owing to issues relating to security, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Saturday.
Sources said that polls are likely to be delayed in Poonch and Sudhanoti due to agitation and protest situation.
Sources further stated that there are possibilities to hold elections as per schedule in six constituencies of Poonch Division, which include Bagh, Haveli, Abbaspur and Hujra where the situation is normal.
Sources revealed that a final decision about the polls will be taken soon.
The current and 11th Legislative Assembly of Azad Jammu and Kashmir will complete its constitutional tenure on August 3, 2026.
The elections for the current assembly were held on July 25, 2021, and its first session was held on August 3, 2021.
Sources said that the final decision to hold elections in Poonch Division will be taken after examining the ground situation. Election Commission will announce the election schedule for Poonch Division soon.
Polling for 2nd phase of polls in AJK tomorrow
Polling for the second phase of elections for Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly (AJK LA) will be tomorrow.
The polling will be held for 9 seats in Muzaffarabad, and 12 reserved seats for refugees will take place tomorrow.
The time of the election campaign is already concluded at 12 am last night. The Returning Officer (Ros) will complete delivery of election material today.
The polling material will be shifted to all polling stations by this evening. The polling will start from 8 am and will continue till 5 pm without any break.
All the security arrangements are finalized for Muzaffarabad Division and different districts of Pakistan.
Reporter: Hashir Warraich