Get the latest news and updates from Dawn
The third phase of elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) is currently underway in four constituencies in Poonch Division’s Bagh and Haveli districts. Polling began at 8am and will continue until 5pm.
Government officials have anticipated clashes in some areas, while the Election Commission has classified most of the 803 polling stations in the four constituencies as either sensitive or highly sensitive.
“Apart from the regular police of both districts, we have dispatched an additional 10,300 troops to maintain law and order and provide a fear-free atmosphere to voters,” Election Commission Secretary Raja Mohammad Shakeel told Dawn earlier.
Elections are being held across AJK in phases amid tensions between protesters and the authorities. Polling in Mirpur and Muzaffarabad divisions was held on July 27 and Aug 2, respectively, with the PML-N securing 24 seats. The PPP has only secured 10 seats so far.
