ISLAMABAD: The first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections concluded on Monday, with Information Minister Attaullah Tarar describing the polling as transparent and marked by strong public participation.

In a statement shared on X following the conclusion of polling, Tarar said the electoral process had witnessed active participation by political parties and voters.

"The first phase of the Azad Kashmir elections was not only well-attended but political parties actively participated in the election process, which was a transparent election process," he wrote.

The opening phase of the election covered 13 constituencies across Mirpur Division, comprising the districts of Mirpur, Bhimber and Kotli. Polling, which was originally scheduled to end at 5pm, was extended by one hour until 6pm by the Chief Election Commissioner to facilitate voters.

The 2026 AJK Legislative Assembly elections are being held in three phases for the first time. The electoral exercise covers 45 directly elected seats, including 33 territorial constituencies in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and 12 refugee constituencies reserved for Jammu and Kashmir refugees residing in different provinces of Pakistan.

According to Radio Pakistan, more than 1.4 million registered voters were eligible to cast their ballots during the first phase. Earlier voter data released by Election Commission of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Spokesperson Raja Usman Munir Sanwala showed that more than 3.8 million voters were registered on the corrected electoral rolls for the 2026 elections.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated voters, election officials and security personnel following the successful completion of the first phase.

According to Radio Pakistan, the prime minister appreciated the peaceful conduct of polling and commended the efforts of the Election Commission, civil administration, law enforcement agencies and security personnel for ensuring the smooth conduct of the electoral process.

Chief Election Commissioner Justice (R) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal said the remaining phases of the election would proceed according to schedule.

Under the Election Commission's announced programme, polling will be held in Muzaffarabad Division on August 2, while the third and final phase in Poonch Division is scheduled for August 10, completing the three-stage electoral process for the 2026 AJK Legislative Assembly elections.

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First phase of AJK elections concludes amid transparent polling, strong participation nationwide

First phase of AJK elections concludes amid transparent polling, strong participation nationwide