The AJK Poonch division elections are tentatively scheduled to take place between August 20 and August 21, according to the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Chief Election Commissioner, Justice (retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal.

Speaking from Muzaffarabad on Saturday, Commissioner Mughal confirmed that the electoral body has prioritized the completion of the voting process for these specific seats. The decision comes after a thorough review of the current security climate in the region.

Why the AJK Poonch division elections were delayed

The electoral process in the Poonch division was previously put on hold to ensure a secure environment for voters and polling staff. Commissioner Mughal emphasized that the Election Commission of AJK (EC-AJK) is working closely with law enforcement agencies to guarantee that the upcoming polls proceed without disruption.

"We have decided, primarily for security reasons, to complete the electoral process in a phased and controlled manner," the Commissioner stated. By focusing on the remaining seats in the Poonch division first, the commission aims to mitigate potential risks associated with large-scale administrative deployments.

What voters should know

If you are a registered voter in the Poonch division, you should prepare for the following steps as the August 20-21 window approaches:

  • Verify your polling station details through the official AJK Election Commission website.
  • Ensure your CNIC is valid, as it is mandatory for casting your vote.
  • Keep an eye on local media for any last-minute notifications regarding specific polling hours or security protocols.

While the dates of August 20-21 have been identified as the target, the commission is expected to release a finalized schedule for the polling hours and candidate guidelines in the coming days. It is essential to monitor official announcements from the EC-AJK to avoid confusion caused by misinformation on social media.

What to watch next

As the date draws closer, the focus will shift toward the deployment of security personnel across the division. Political parties are expected to ramp up their local campaigns, and the Election Commission will likely hold briefings for candidates to ensure strict adherence to the code of conduct.

We will continue to track updates from Muzaffarabad as the commission finalizes the logistics for these polls. If you have questions regarding your specific constituency, check the official AJK government portal regularly.