Azad Jammu and Kashmir Holds Second Phase of Assembly Elections

The Election Commission of Azad Kashmir managed the second phase of Legislative Assembly elections on August 1 and 2, 2026, across the Muzaffarabad Division and 12 reserved seats for Kashmiri refugees living in Pakistan. Over 1.2 million registered voters were eligible to cast ballots across 1,483 polling stations in Muzaffarabad, Neelum, and Jhelum Valley, and 1,057 stations for refugee seats. A total of 351 candidates contested the 21 available seats.

To maintain order, authorities deployed 18,000 security personnel, including police and Rangers, and suspended internet services. Chief Election Commissioner Ghulam Mustafa Mughal identified LA-5 Khawra and LA-3 Lajra as the most sensitive constituencies, deploying up to eight officers to high-risk sites.

This phase follows the first phase in Mirpur, which saw a 46% voter turnout and resulted in the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz winning nine seats and the Pakistan Peoples Party winning four. Amid these proceedings, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari demanded open hearings to address allegations of rigging from the first phase to ensure transparency.

Elections for the Poonch division are scheduled for August 10, though officials noted the schedule for Poonch district may be reviewed if necessary.