MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): A public holiday has been announced in Mirpur Division on Monday, July 27, on the occasion of the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly General Elections.
According to details, the President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, upon the motion of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Election Commission, has approved a public holiday within Mirpur Division on July 27, 2026 (Monday) due to the conduct of elections in the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly General Elections 2026.
It should be noted that the Azad Kashmir elections will be held in 3 phases; in the first phase polling will take place on July 27 in 13 constituencies of Mirpur Division, for which arrangements have been completed.
Second phase of AJK elections
In the second phase, elections will be held in Muzaffarabad Division on August 2, and in the third phase, elections will be held in Poonch Division on August 10.
It is also worth noting that for the peaceful, transparent, and secure conduct of the elections, the Federal Ministry of Interior, at the request of the Azad Kashmir government, has requested 16,800 additional police personnel from various provinces.
According to documents, 14,000 personnel will be provided by Punjab Police, including 5,000 from Punjab Highway Patrol, 3,000 from Riot Management Police, 900 from Punjab Constabulary, and 5,100 from district police.
Similarly, 2,000 personnel from Sindh Police, 500 from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Police, 200 from Balochistan Police, and 100 personnel from Gilgit Baltistan Police have also been requested.
The additional force will be deployed at sensitive polling stations, key installations, and to maintain law and order during the electoral process.
According to sources, the deployment process will be completed in phases under the directives of the Interior ministry.
