MUZAFFARABAD: The political landscape of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) takes center stage today as voters in the Mirpur division head to the polls in the first phase of legislative elections.
🚨🚨آزاد کشمیر الیکشن کا پہلا مرحلہ،میر پور،بھمبر اور کوٹلی کے 13 حلقوں میں پولنگ کا عمل جاری pic.twitter.com/xrEG87DUYW
— Ali Tanoli (@alitanoli889) July 27, 2026
Balloting is being held across 13 constituencies, marking the start of a multi‑phase electoral exercise that will shape the region’s political future.
According to latest reports gathered by MM News, voting is underway at 2,316 polling stations in Mirpur, Bhimber and Kotli since 8 am, where 14 lakh 44 thousand 437 registered voters are deciding their future. This includes 7 lakh 24 thousand 811 male and 6 lakh 75 thousand 626 female voters.
A large number of male and female voters reached the polling stations early in the morning, indicating that the election enthusiasm is at its peak.
Authorities have enforced strict security measures, deploying police, Rangers, and other law enforcement personnel in sensitive constituencies to ensure a peaceful voting process, while law enforcement agencies are on full high alert. Overall, the situation is peaceful and satisfactory and voters are participating in the democratic process with full enthusiasm.
A tough contest is anticipated between the Pakistan Muslim League‑Nawaz (PML‑N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) — allies in Pakistan’s federal government but rivals in AJK — alongside candidates from the Istiqlal Pakistan Party (IPP) and independents.
Observers are closely monitoring constituencies in Mirpur, Bhimber, and Kotli, where competition is expected to be particularly intense.
Chief Election Commissioner Justice (retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal reiterated that strict legal action will be taken against any attempt to disrupt or obstruct the electoral process. He assured that measures have been implemented to guarantee transparency and fairness.
Meanwhile, Chief Secretary Khushal Khan emphasized that state institutions are fully prepared to conduct peaceful elections. He noted that citizens’ participation reflects confidence in the democratic process, adding that any effort to disturb law and order will be firmly countered.
The unfolding contest in Mirpur sets the tone for subsequent phases in Muzaffarabad and Poonch divisions, with political observers highlighting that the real battle between PML‑N and PPP could redefine alliances and influence the broader national political narrative.
