MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): Chief Election Commissioner of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Justice (R) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal, has said that the second phase of the general elections of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly 2026 will be held on August 2, as per schedule, for which all arrangements have been completed.
He appealed to the people to come out of their homes and exercise their right to vote, because if the people stay at home instead of voting, then it will not be possible to solve the problems later through meetings, processions and protests.
He said that the only way to democratic change is the ballot paper, so every voter should express his opinion through a vote.
The Chief Election Commissioner said that the Election Commission is an independent and autonomous constitutional institution which does not work on the instructions or dictation of any individual or institution but performs its duties in accordance with the constitution and law.
He said that allegations of rigging by the defeated candidates after the elections have become a norm; however, the Election Commission is taking all necessary steps to hold transparent, free and impartial elections.
According to him, the current elections are the most difficult in the history of Azad Kashmir, so all political parties, candidates and voters will have to show responsibility.
Justice (retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal said that for the first time, security personnel from Sindh, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan are being deployed in Azad Kashmir for the peaceful conduct of elections.
He said that to ensure the safety of voters, the Quick Response Force of the Pakistan Army will also remain on high alert, while eight security personnel will be deployed at the most sensitive polling stations and six at the most sensitive polling stations. A formal letter has also been sent to the IG Police and the Chief Secretary for providing additional security.
He said that the constituencies LA-31 Khaora and LA-28 Lachhrat of Muzaffarabad division have been declared very sensitive and extraordinary security arrangements are being made there.
He said that if the law and order situation continues in the current manner, the elections in Rawalakot district may have to be changed; however, elections in Abbaspur, Hajira, Bagh and Haveli will be held as per the fixed schedule. He said that the Azad Kashmir Legislative Assembly is not complete without Poonch division; however, it is premature to give any opinion at this stage regarding government formation.
The Chief Election Commissioner, while describing the polling in the first phase as overall satisfactory, said that about 49 percent of voters in Kotli, 48 percent in Bhimber and 33 percent in Mirpur exercised their franchise.
He expressed hope that the voter turnout in the second phase would be further improved and the people would participate fully in the democratic process and make the free, fair and peaceful elections a success.
