Over 17,000 security personnel deployed as AJK polling begins today

Secretary EC says arrangements in Mirpur division have been completed and polling material has already been dispatched

Polling for the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections begins today (Monday) across Mirpur Division, with the government deploying more than 17,000 security personnel and 22,000 election officials in what authorities describe as the largest coordinated effort to ensure peaceful, free and transparent voting.

As nearly all major political parties wrapped up weeks of intense campaigning, the AJK government and the Election Commission announced on Sunday that all logistical, administrative and security arrangements had been completed, with polling material reaching every polling station ahead of voting.

At a joint press conference in Muzaffarabad, AJK Chief Secretary Khushhal Khan and Election Commission Secretary Raja Muhammad Shakeel Khan said all resources had been fully mobilised and utilised to ensure that polling proceeded smoothly and without disruption.

The first phase of the three-stage election covers all constituencies in Mirpur Division, while polling in Muzaffarabad Division and the refugee constituencies will be held next week, on August 2, followed by Rawalakot Division under the revised election schedule.

Chief Secretary Khushhal Khan said all government departments, district administrations, law enforcement agencies and the Election Commission had completed their responsibilities well before polling day.

"Polling material has been delivered to returning officers and polling stations, while election arrangements are being monitored round the clock to ensure that voters encounter no difficulty in exercising their democratic right," he said.

Describing law and order as the government's foremost priority, Khushhal Khan said nearly 17,000 security personnel, including the AJK Police, police contingents from all four provinces, Rangers and the Federal Constabulary, would guard polling stations and sensitive areas throughout the electoral process.

He warned that authorities would take strict legal action against anyone attempting to disrupt polling, intimidate voters or interfere with the electoral process.

"The government will not tolerate any attempt to undermine peaceful elections. The law will be enforced without discrimination," he added.

The chief secretary said electioneering had reached its peak across the region over the past several weeks, with political parties holding large public rallies, corner meetings and extensive grassroots campaigns, while national political leaders also visited various districts to canvass support for their candidates.

Expressing optimism about voter participation, he said the people of Azad Kashmir had consistently demonstrated their commitment to democratic values and were expected to turn out in significant numbers.

Khushhal Khan also warned against misinformation circulating on social media, saying relevant institutions were actively monitoring fake news, manipulated videos and misleading propaganda designed to create confusion before polling.

He urged citizens to rely only on verified information issued by the Election Commission and government authorities, warning that those spreading false or inflammatory content would face legal consequences.

Election Commission Secretary Raja Muhammad Shakeel Khan said all preparations for the first phase of polling had been completed to the Commission's satisfaction.

More than 22,000 polling officials had been trained and deployed across Mirpur Division, while election material had been successfully transported to every polling station, he said.

Shakeel Khan said Chief Election Commissioner Justice (Retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal had personally reviewed the arrangements and expressed satisfaction with the overall preparedness.

He added that Rangers, the Federal Constabulary and police had been placed on high alert to ensure a secure environment throughout polling.

The Election Commission secretary also dismissed attempts by certain elements to influence public opinion through old videos and fabricated social media content.

"No untoward incident has been reported during the election campaign, and political parties and candidates have generally cooperated with the Election Commission by adhering to the code of conduct," he said.

Appealing to voters to reject rumours and misinformation, Shakeel Khan urged them to participate actively in the democratic process by casting their votes peacefully.

He reaffirmed the Election Commission's commitment to conducting free, fair, transparent and peaceful elections, saying every effort had been made to ensure that the integrity of the electoral process remained beyond question.