Voting began at 8am and will continue uninterrupted until 5pm.

Election material have been dispatched to all polling stations, while 296 candidates, including nominees of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) and independent candidates, are contesting the polls.

Authorities have put in place stringent security arrangements to ensure the peaceful conduct of voting.

AJK Chief Election Commissioner Justice (retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal has warned that strict legal action would be taken against anyone attempting to disrupt the electoral process.

AJK Chief Secretary Khushhal Khan said the people of Azad Kashmir had rejected disruptive elements and reaffirmed their confidence in the democratic process.

He added that all state institutions were fully prepared to ensure peaceful elections, warning that anyone attempting to obstruct polling or disturb law and order would face legal action.

Two presiding officers arrested

Meanwhile, the AJK Election Commission suspended and arrested two presiding officers in Kotli for allegedly violating the election code of conduct.

According to an Election Commission spokesperson, the officers went to a private residence instead of reporting to their assigned polling stations.

Returning officers immediately took custody of the polling bags found in their possession.

The Election Commission said legal proceedings had been initiated against the suspended officers under election laws, while new presiding officers were appointed and dispatched to the concerned polling stations.

The commission reiterated its commitment to ensuring that polling remains transparent, impartial and uninterrupted, adding that no irregularities in the electoral process would be tolerated.