Authorities in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) have announced a public holiday in Mirpur Division on Monday, July 27, 2026.

The holiday has been announced to facilitate voters and government employees during polling and to allow the electoral process to proceed smoothly across the division.

The AJK Election Commission recently revised the election programme and decided to conduct the 2026 Legislative Assembly elections in three phases instead of holding voting across the region on a single day.

AJK Legislative Assembly Elections 2026 phases

• Phase 1: Polling will take place in 13 constituencies of Mirpur Division, covering Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber districts on July 27
• Phase 2: Voting will be held in 9 constituencies of Muzaffarabad Division, along with 12 constituencies reserved for Jammu and Kashmir refugees residing in Pakistan on August 2
• Phase 3: The final phase of polling will take place in 11 constituencies of Poonch Division on August 10

Further, Chief Election Commissioner Justice (retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal said the phased election plan would help ensure sufficient deployment of security personnel during polling. Political parties had also stressed the need for security arrangements to maintain a peaceful electoral environment. 

Meanwhile, Authorities in Mirpur have reviewed polling-station security, transportation arrangements, electricity supply, emergency medical services and coordination among government departments. 

Election campaign in Mirpur Division to conclude at midnight between July 25 and July 26, in accordance with the election schedule.

Internet services in Mirpur division

Previously, internet services in the Mirpur division of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) started to restore after 45 days of suspension. Internet services remained suspended across AJK under the orders of government in the wake of a law and order situation.

Recently, Pakistan Peoples Party Azad Jammu and Kashmir (PPP AJK) President Chaudhry Muhammad Yaseen wrote a letter to Azad Jammu and Kashmir Chief Election Commissioner Justice (retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal to restore internet services across the region without delay.

Read more: AJK: Internet services start restoring in Mirpur division