First phase of AJK general elections to begin tomorrow, PPP and PML-N eye close contest

Election authorities have begun distributing polling material across Mirpur Division ahead of the general elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), with voting scheduled to take place on July 27 under extensive security arrangements.

The first phase of the general elections in Azad Kashmir is commencing tomorrow in a free, fair and transparent manner.

This was stated by Chief Secretary Azad Kashmir Khushal Khan and Secretary AJK Election Commission Raja Muhammad Shakeel while addressing a joint news conference in Muzaffarabad today.

They said the election process will be completed in three phases. The Chief Secretary said all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure peaceful, unbiased and transparent elections in all the three districts of the Mirpur Division. He warned of serious consequences of any attempt to disrupt the polling process or disturb the law and order situation.

Speaking on the occasion, Secretary, AJK Election Commission, Raja Muhammad Shakeel said polling material has been dispatched to the polling stations. The Chief Secretary and the Secretary AJK Election Commission urged people to exercise their right to vote for the resolution of their issues in a democratic way.

They also urged the public to reject misleading propaganda circulating on social media. According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, polling will be held for four constituencies in Mirpur district, three in Bhimber and six in Kotli.

Election material is being dispatched in phases to the relevant constituencies across the three districts. 

Election Commission officials said the distribution process was continuing according to constituency-wise schedules, while comprehensive security measures had been put in place to ensure the safe delivery of election material to polling stations.

Police, Rangers and other law enforcement agencies have been placed on high alert, and a comprehensive security plan has been implemented to ensure a transparent and peaceful electoral process.

Additional personnel have also been deployed, with enhanced monitoring at sensitive polling stations.

Political observers expect a closely contested race between candidates of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) across the division.

Reporter: Zahid Bashir Chaudhry