The second phase of the Azad Kashmir Legislative Assembly Elections 2026 is underway today, with polling taking place across the Muzaffarabad Division and 12 Kashmiri migrant constituencies. Thousands of voters are expected to cast their ballots as the electoral process enters another crucial stage.
Polling began at 8:00 a.m. and will continue until 5:00 p.m. without any break. Election authorities completed all necessary preparations, including the transportation of polling materials and the deployment of election staff to polling stations.
The Muzaffarabad Division, comprising the districts of Muzaffarabad, Neelum, and Jhelum Valley, has 890,621 registered voters eligible to vote in nine constituencies.
According to the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Election Commission, a total of 1,483 polling stations have been established across the division to facilitate voters. Overall, 208 candidates are contesting the nine seats, representing major political parties including the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), other political groups, and independent candidates.
Alongside polling in Muzaffarabad Division, elections are also being held for 12 reserved seats for Kashmiri migrants residing in different parts of Pakistan. These include:
- 6 Jammu migrant constituencies (LA-34 Jammu-1 to LA-39 Jammu-6)
- 6 Valley migrant constituencies (LA-40 Valley-1 to LA-45 Valley-6)
Registered Kashmiri migrant voters will cast their votes to elect representatives for these reserved constituencies.
Speaking to Geo News, Azad Jammu and Kashmir Chief Election Commissioner Justice (Retd.) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal said the elections are being conducted in phases due to security considerations. He added that although there had been concerns regarding the security situation in Muzaffarabad, law and order have improved significantly.
Authorities have implemented comprehensive security arrangements at polling stations to ensure peaceful, transparent, and fair elections. The Election Commission has urged voters to participate responsibly and cooperate with polling staff throughout the voting process.
The second phase of the Azad Kashmir Elections 2026 is expected to play a key role in shaping the political future of the region as voters elect representatives for important constituencies.
