Mirpur Division ready as first phase of AJK elections begins today

MIRPUR: The first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections is set to take place today across Mirpur Division, with election authorities completing preparations and urging voters to exercise their democratic right peacefully.

Chief Election Commissioner Justice (R) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal appealed to voters to come out without fear or hesitation and cast their ballots, assuring them that all arrangements had been finalised to ensure a free, fair and transparent electoral process.

"Come out without fear or hesitation and exercise your democratic right," the Chief Election Commissioner said in a message to voters. "Every vote is a national trust, and voters should express their choice responsibly."

He said effective security arrangements had been completed at all polling stations, while law enforcement agencies had been fully mobilised to perform election duties.

"The Election Commission remains committed to conducting free, fair and transparent elections," Justice Mughal said, urging voters to observe the Election Commission's Code of Conduct, avoid rumours and rely only on authentic information.

He also warned that violations of the law during the electoral process would not be tolerated and advised voters to carry their original Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) when visiting polling stations.

On the ground in Mirpur, election staff completed final preparations overnight after polling materials were dispatched to polling stations under strict security.

Speaking to Pakistan TV Digital from Government Boys High School in Mirpur's F-1 Sector, Presiding Officer Dr Naveed Akram said the polling station was among the largest in the city in terms of registered voters.

"Actually, this is one of the biggest polling stations in Mirpur, Azad Kashmir, based on the valid voter strength," he said.

Dr Akram said two presiding officers had been directed by the Returning Officer to remain at the polling station throughout the night to safeguard election materials until polling begins.

"We are directed by the Returning Officer that we have to be present here for the whole night. We are here for security reasons," he said.

"We will look after this material, and we will stay here for the whole night. This is our main duty."

Earlier, the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Press Information Department said polling materials had been dispatched across Mirpur district under the supervision of District Returning Officer Jahangir Ahmed Jarral.

According to the department, polling materials were delivered to 611 polling stations, while presiding officers were dispatched under strict security arrangements. It said all administrative preparations had been completed for polling in the district's four constituencies.

The department added that 3,643 election personnel had been deployed in Mirpur district to conduct the electoral process, while 320 polling stations designated as highly sensitive would receive enhanced security.

The 2026 AJK Legislative Assembly elections are being held in three phases for the first time, with 13 of the Assembly's 45 directly elected constituencies voting in the opening phase across Mirpur Division.