AJK all set for general elections as chief secretary vows peaceful, transparent polls

• Khushal Khan says all arrangements finalized as first phase of Legislative Assembly elections begins in Mirpur Division tomorrow

• Nearly 17,000 security personnel and 22,000 election staff deployed to ensure peaceful, transparent and fair voting

• Authorities warn of strict legal action against anyone spreading misinformation or attempting to disrupt the electoral process

• Media urged to ensure responsible election coverage, while voters encouraged to turn out in large numbers and exercise their democratic right

 MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Chief Secretary Khushal Khan on Sunday announced that all preparations had been finalized for the general elections to the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly (AJK-LA), set to begin on Monday (July 27), assuring voters of a peaceful, transparent and fair electoral process while warning of strict legal action against anyone attempting to disrupt law and order or interfere with polling.

Addressing a joint press conference alongside Election Commission (EC) Secretary Raja Mohammad Shakeel Khan, the chief secretary said all logistical, administrative and security arrangements had been completed, with polling material already dispatched to returning officers across the division.

The Azad Jammu and Kashmir government has completed all necessary preparations to ensure the free, fair, and transparent conduct of the first phase of elections scheduled across Mirpur Division tomorrow.#News #Kashmir #RadioPakistan https://t.co/upUdXuAJFX

— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) July 26, 2026

He said the formal election process would commence on July 27 in accordance with the Constitution, adding that all necessary preparations had been put in place to ensure the smooth conduct of the polls.

Khushal Khan said nearly 17,000 security personnel had been deployed to safeguard the electoral process, while police contingents from all four provinces would assist the AJK Police in maintaining peace and security during voting.

He said all state institutions were fully prepared to ensure that the elections were conducted in a free, fair and peaceful environment.

The chief secretary also warned that authorities were closely monitoring individuals spreading misleading propaganda on social media, adding that strict legal action would be taken against anyone attempting to disturb law and order or obstruct the electoral process.

Referring to voter participation, he said AJK had traditionally recorded a high voter turnout and expressed confidence that this year's elections would also witness strong public participation.

 All Operational Preparations Finalized For First Phase

Speaking on the occasion, Secretary Election Commission Raja Mohammad Shakeel Khan said the first phase of polling would be held on Monday (July 27) across Mirpur Division.

He said election arrangements throughout the division had been completed and polling material had already been dispatched to polling stations.

Khan said around 22,000 election staff had been deployed and all operational preparations had been finalized.

He added that the Chief Election Commissioner had visited Mirpur and expressed satisfaction with the arrangements, noting that election staff had received transparent and effective training.

According to Khan, the police, Rangers and the Federal Constabulary had been placed on high alert to ensure the peaceful conduct of the elections.

Describing voting as the public's most important democratic right, he urged citizens to actively participate in the electoral process.

Khan said old videos relating to calls for an election boycott were being recirculated on social media to create a misleading impression, emphasizing that no untoward incident had occurred during the election campaign.

He said all political parties and candidates had welcomed the election code of conduct and urged voters not to be influenced by uncertainty, but instead to exercise their democratic right by electing representatives of their choice.

"The entire electoral process across AJK will be conducted in a peaceful, transparent and fair manner," he said.

The first phase of the AJK general elections is scheduled to begin on Monday (July 27) across Mirpur Division.

A day earlier, the AJK Information Department urged journalists and media organizations to exercise maximum responsibility in covering the elections, emphasizing that only verified, accurate and balanced information should be shared with the public, particularly during polling, vote counting and the announcement of result.

The department also advised media personnel to refrain from disseminating content that could incite unrest, create confusion among voters or adversely affect law and order, especially during the sensitive stages of vote counting and the release of unofficial and official election results.