MUZAFFARABAD: Polling is underway in the second phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) general elections, with voters casting their ballots for 21 legislative seats, including nine constituencies in the Muzaffarabad Division and 12 seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees living across Pakistan.
Voting began at 8:00 a.m. and is scheduled to continue without interruption until 5:00 p.m., according to the Election Commission.
While polling proceeded smoothly in many areas, voting started late in some constituencies due to administrative delays.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) alleged electoral irregularities and accused the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) of rigging. The party’s Election Cell in AJK submitted a formal complaint to the Chief Election Commissioner, requesting an investigation into the alleged violations.
Responding to the allegations, Punjab Information Minister Uzma Bukhari said the second phase of the elections was being conducted peacefully and dismissed claims of rigging.
In a statement, she said the elections were proceeding in an orderly manner and criticized political opponents for raising allegations of electoral fraud without evidence.
Separately, Chief Election Commissioner of AJK Justice (Retd.) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal visited a polling station in Muzaffarabad to review polling arrangements.
Speaking to the media during his visit, the Chief Election Commissioner said the Election Commission had written to the relevant authorities seeking the restoration of internet services, adding that the matter was expected to become clear during the day.
He also emphasized the independence of the Election Commission.
“We will not work under anyone’s pressure. We will act strictly in accordance with the law,” Justice (Retd.) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal said.
He added that every demand or request cannot be accepted unless it is consistent with the legal framework governing the electoral process.
According to the Election Commission, 1,483 polling stations have been established across the Muzaffarabad Division to facilitate voters.
In addition, polling is being held in various cities across Pakistan for 12 refugee seats, with Kashmiri refugees from Jammu and the Valley exercising their constitutional right to vote. The refugee constituencies include six seats representing Jammu refugees and six representing refugees from the Kashmir Valley.
Election authorities have deployed security personnel at polling stations to ensure a peaceful voting environment and facilitate voters throughout the day.
The second phase of the AJK elections is regarded as a crucial stage in the electoral process, with political parties closely monitoring voter turnout, polling arrangements, and vote counting. Official results are expected to be announced after the completion of polling and the counting of ballots in accordance with election laws and procedures.
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