MIRPUR DIVISION : The first phase of elections in Azad Kashmir commences today, with polling set to take place across 13 constituencies in three districts of the Mirpur division.
Election materials have been successfully delivered to all polling stations, and authorities have completed preparations for voting in Mirpur (4 seats), Bhimber (3 seats), and Kotli (6 seats). A total of 288 candidates are contesting in these 13 constituencies.
Political analysts predict a close contest between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), with Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) candidates and independents also in the running.
Voter Statistics and Polling Stations
A total of 1,443,700 voters are registered in the Mirpur division, comprising 724,811 male and 675,626 female voters. The Election Commission has established 2,316 polling stations for the first phase, of which 1,241 have been declared “highly sensitive” and 724 “sensitive.”
Security Arrangements
Extensive security measures have been put in place to ensure peaceful voting. A total of 18,560 personnel will be deployed across the division, supported by 2,100 Pakistan Army troops assigned to election security duties.
Voting is expected to proceed throughout the day, with results anticipated after the conclusion of polling.
