By Our Correspondent
MIRPUR – The first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections concluded on Monday amid heightened political tensions, isolated violence, and a series of allegations of electoral malpractice, overshadowing what authorities described as an otherwise orderly voting process.
Polling was held across 13 constituencies in Mirpur Division, covering the districts of Mirpur, Kotli, and Bhimber. Voting began at 8:00 a.m. and continued until 6:00 p.m. after the Election Commission granted a one-hour extension.
The day’s most serious incident occurred in LA-9 Kotli-II (Nakyal), where a Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) worker was killed in a shooting that intensified the political confrontation between the PPP and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
The PPP identified the deceased as Mukhtar Younus, alleging that he was killed during armed violence linked to supporters of PML-N candidate Sardar Umair Naeem. The party demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible and called on authorities to restore law and order.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari strongly condemned the killing, questioning the response of the Election Commission and law enforcement agencies. He claimed that videos showing public display of weapons by political rivals had surfaced days earlier and argued that timely action could have prevented the fatal incident.
The PML-N had not officially responded to the allegations at the time of filing this report.
Apart from the fatal shooting, polling was interrupted at several stations due to clashes between rival political workers. Election officials suspended voting for the remainder of the day at three polling stations in Kotli and two in Bhimber following disturbances. Officials said a decision on repolling would be taken after assessing whether the number of affected votes could influence the final election results.
The electoral contest also witnessed competing allegations of vote manipulation from both major parties.
The PPP accused the PML-N of attempting to influence polling in several Kotli constituencies, including LA-12 Kotli-V and LA-8 Kotli-I, alleging that armed supporters entered polling stations and intimidated voters. The party further complained that slow mobile phone services hampered communication between election workers, media personnel, and emergency responders.
Meanwhile, the PML-N alleged pre-poll rigging in LA-10 Kotli-III, claiming that polling officials had been involved in irregularities before voting commenced.
Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah alleged that officials assigned to polling stations had diverted election material to a private residence, demanding a full investigation before accepting the constituency’s results.
The Election Commission confirmed that two presiding officers had been arrested and suspended after they failed to report to their designated polling stations. It said legal proceedings had been initiated against them under the relevant election laws.
However, a First Information Report (FIR) registered by local police named three presiding officers, alleging that they collected polling material before gathering at a private residence instead of proceeding directly to their assigned polling stations.
Separately, Bhimber district witnessed one of the day’s most dramatic incidents when supporters of an Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party (IPP) candidate allegedly removed ballot boxes from a polling station.
According to Mirpur Commissioner Raja Tahir Mumtaz, another ballot box was later set on fire at a separate polling station. Police detained around 30 individuals in connection with the incident, while videos circulating on social media appeared to show armed men firing during the unrest. Authorities have not independently verified the footage.
Despite these incidents, election officials maintained that voting proceeded peacefully at the overwhelming majority of polling stations.
AJK Inspector General of Police retired Captain Liaqat Ali Malik said isolated clashes were common during closely contested elections and stressed that police had acted impartially throughout the process. He said Quick Response Force teams were immediately dispatched whenever disturbances were reported and warned that anyone attempting to disrupt polling would face legal action regardless of political affiliation.
Security for the elections remained exceptionally tight. More than 18,500 police and law enforcement personnel were deployed under a three-tier security plan, supported by Pakistan Rangers, the Federal Constabulary, and approximately 2,100 Pakistan Army personnel. Of the 2,316 polling stations, 1,241 were declared highly sensitive and 724 sensitive, reflecting authorities’ concerns over potential security challenges.
The Mirpur phase marks the first stage of AJK’s three-phase electoral schedule. Polling in Muzaffarabad Division is scheduled for August 2, while voting in Poonch Division and refugee constituencies will take place on August 10.
With accusations of violence, intimidation, and electoral irregularities emerging from both sides, the Election Commission is expected to face mounting pressure to investigate complaints thoroughly before the remaining phases of the AJK elections, where political competition between the PPP and PML-N is likely to intensify further.
