AJK Election Campaign Enters Final Week

News Desk

Mirpur: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has entered the final phase of its election campaign, with political parties intensifying activities across all constituencies following the successful completion of early voting for election-duty staff ahead of the July 27 Legislative Assembly elections.

According to election authorities, 3,005 of the 5,000 registered government employees assigned polling duties cast their ballots during the special voting process held in Mirpur district on Monday.

District Returning Officer Jahangir Ahmed Jarral said the polling was conducted peacefully and in accordance with Election Commission procedures. Constituency-wise, 715 votes were cast in LA-1, 682 in LA-2, 778 in LA-3, and 830 in LA-4.

The ballots cast by election-duty staff will remain sealed until July 27, when they will be counted alongside votes cast during the general election after polling concludes.

Officials said the polling process remained orderly throughout the day, with administrative and security arrangements ensuring transparency and smooth conduct of the exercise.

Meanwhile, electioneering has gathered momentum across AJK after the publication of the final list of candidates for all 45 constituencies, including 33 territorial seats and 12 seats reserved for Jammu and Kashmir refugees residing in Pakistan.

Political parties and independent candidates have stepped up public rallies, corner meetings, and door-to-door campaigns as they seek voter support ahead of polling day.

The elections will be held under the supervision of Chief Election Commissioner Justice Ghulam Mustafa Mughal, while the current 53-member Legislative Assembly is set to complete its constitutional term on August 4.

The contest features major political parties, including the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI), and the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference, along with a number of independent candidates. Several parties have also entered into electoral alliances in selected constituencies, setting the stage for a closely fought election.