Islamabad (Rajeev Sharma): The first phase of elections to the legislative assembly in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) began on Sunday amid unprecedented security arrangements, with authorities on high alert following months of protests and political unrest in the region.
Polling is being conducted in phases and will conclude on August 10, covering 45 directly elected seats in the 53-member assembly. The remaining eight seats are reserved for women, technocrats and religious representatives.
According to election authorities, the first phase covers 13 constituencies in the Mirpur division. The second round of polling is scheduled for August 2, when voters in Muzaffarabad division and the 12 refugee constituencies will cast their ballots. The final phase, covering 11 constituencies in the Poonch division, will take place on August 10.
In view of concerns over possible violence, Pakistan has deployed around 14,000 police personnel across the region. Officials said a section of the force has been armed, while the remaining personnel have been equipped with riot-control gear to maintain law and order during the electoral process.
The extensive security deployment follows weeks of demonstrations led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which had organised protests demanding the abolition of reserved refugee seats in the assembly. The movement witnessed repeated clashes between protesters and security forces, resulting in casualties and widespread tension across the region.
Following the unrest, Pakistani authorities banned the JAAC, citing security concerns. The decision drew attention as political activity intensified ahead of the elections.
The contest is expected to be closely watched, with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) emerging as the principal contenders despite being coalition partners at the federal level. Former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has stayed away from the electoral process, opting to boycott the polls.
The developments come against the backdrop of India’s long-standing position on the region. New Delhi maintains that the entire territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, including areas presently under Pakistan’s control, are an integral part of India.
Earlier this month, India linked the protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir to public dissatisfaction over governance and administrative policies in the region. It also criticised reports of force being used against demonstrators, describing the unrest as a reflection of deeper grievances among residents.
As voting progresses under tight security, authorities remain vigilant to prevent any disruption. The elections are expected to have significant political implications for the region, which has witnessed increasing public discontent and heightened political activity in recent months.
