The Chief Election Commissioner of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has extended polling time by one hour in 13 constituencies of Mirpur Division due to a high number of voters at polling stations. The decision was taken to ensure that all eligible voters present in the queues can cast their votes.
Since morning, remarkable enthusiasm among voters was witnessed across different areas, with a large number of youth, women, senior citizens, and first-time voters arriving at polling stations. Long queues of voters were seen at several locations.
According to election officials, the extension was announced after considering the significant voter turnout. The Chief Election Commissioner directed that voters already present in queues by the scheduled closing time should be allowed to cast their ballots without any difficulty.
The strong public participation reflects the confidence of the people of Azad Kashmir in the democratic process and the power of their vote. A large number of citizens came out to elect their representatives and actively participated in the electoral process.
Overall, polling is continuing in a peaceful environment, with strict security arrangements in place. Law enforcement personnel and election officials are deployed at polling stations to ensure transparent, fair, and peaceful elections.
A total of 296 candidates, including nominees from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), as well as independent candidates, are contesting the elections.
According to the Election Commission, the 13 constituencies have a total of 1,401,439 registered voters, including 725,811 men and 675,628 women.
A total of 2,454 polling stations have been established across Mirpur Division, including 597 in Mirpur district, 1,249 in Kotli district, and 608 in Bhimber district.
Meanwhile, violence erupted at the Darbar Baba Shadi Shaheed polling station in Bhimber, where miscreants allegedly snatched a ballot box and set it on fire. According to the District Returning Officer (DRO), the ballot box contained 232 votes.
Authorities said the situation remains peaceful at all other polling stations. A decision on whether to hold re-polling at the Darbar Baba Shadi Shaheed polling station will be taken later.
Inspector General of Police Azad Kashmir, Liaquat Ali Malik, said the police would take immediate action against any law and order situation. He stressed that no one, including political workers, would be allowed to take the law into their own hands.
Read more: Mirpur voters turn out in large numbers for key local elections
