The first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections began on Monday across 13 constituencies in Mirpur division, with polling continuing from 8am to 5pm.A public holiday was declared in Bhimber, Mirpur and Kotli districts to facilitate voters.According to the Election Commission, 288 candidates are contesting the seats, while voting is taking place at 2,316 polling stations.Due to security concerns, more than half of the polling stations have been categorised as highly sensitive or sensitive.

A comprehensive three-tier security plan has been put in place, involving police, Rangers, the Federal Constabulary and the Pakistan Army, with around 18,560 security personnel deployed and Quick Response Force teams on standby.The remaining phases of the AJK elections are scheduled for August 2 and August 10.

During polling, the PML-N alleged rigging in Kotli's LA-10 constituency, with party leader Rana Sanaullah accusing PPP figures and election officials of involvement and demanding a formal inquiry before accepting the results.

Separately, the AJK government confirmed that two presiding officers had been arrested after allegedly failing to report to their assigned polling stations and instead going to a private residence.Their polling material was confiscated, they were replaced, and legal action was initiated.

The PPP rejected the PML-N's allegations and instead accused the federal government of using official resources and announcing development projects during the election campaign, arguing that such actions violated the spirit of free and fair elections.The campaign had already intensified political rivalry between PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif.Meanwhile, the AJK Chief Election Commissioner urged more than 1.

4 million registered voters to participate peacefully and warned that anyone attempting to disrupt the electoral process would face strict legal action.