MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): The Election Commission of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on Monday issued a notification of new constituencies ahead of the general election 2026, rejecting all objections filed against the delimitation.
As per the notification, a total of 45 new constituencies have been retained, including 12 for refugees residing in Pakistan and 33 in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the district-wise final list, four constituencies have been established in Mirpur, three in Bhimber, and six in Kotli.
Similarly, Bagh has been divided into four constituencies, which also include one seat covering the whole Haveli district, while a total of seven constituencies have been determined in Poonch and Sudhnoti.
Moreover, two constituencies have been established in Neelum and seven in Muzaffarabad.
In addition, six seats have been reserved for refugees from Jammu and Mangla Dam affectees residing across Pakistan, and six legislative assembly seats have been established for the Kashmir Valley refugees residing across Pakistan.
New delimitations claims
In a separate press release, the AJK’s electoral body rejected the claims circulating on social media that the new delimitations have been established in Leepa Valley, Chakar, Hattian Bala, and Khuiratta.
The commission spokesperson also dismissed the reports that changes have been made in the constituencies in Rawalakot, Hajira, Tararkhal, and Muzaffarabad.
It added that the Election Commission has kept the delimitation used in the 2021 elections for the upcoming general elections of the AJK Legislative Assembly.
According to the Election Commission, the delimitations have been made keeping in mind the population and geographical realities to ensure the conduct of transparent and fair elections and provide better representation to the voters.
Earlier on Saturday, the Election Commission of AJK said it had rejected the application of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Azad Kashmir for registration after citing violations related to financial irregularities.
According to a press release issued by the EC spokesperson, PTI AJK had submitted its application for registration in light of the Supreme Court judgment and relevant election laws.
In connection with the examination of the application, the Election Commission appointed an Audit Officer to audit the political parties’ accounts in accordance with the relevant laws and rules, so that the submitted accounts and financial documents could be reviewed.
After a detailed review of the arguments of the parties and the available record, the Election Commission came to the conclusion that the applicant party has failed to fulfill the requirements of Rule 121, the press release added.
