Overview
- Voting began Sunday across 21 constituencies in Muzaffarabad Division and 12 refugee seats with more than 1.2 million registered voters and polling scheduled to run from 8am to 5pm.
- Election officials say all polling material and staff have been dispatched and 1,483 polling stations and 2,219 booths are in place for the phase.
- Authorities deployed large security forces for the polls, including about 18,000 personnel in Muzaffarabad and 4,029 officers in the Rawalpindi division, with quick‑response units assigned to sensitive stations.
- Widespread JAAC‑led protests have led to clashes with security forces and disputed casualty counts, and national and international rights groups have called for independent investigations into alleged excessive force and internet restrictions.
- The political fight centers on PML‑N and the PPP after PML‑N’s strong first‑phase showing, PPP allegations of rigging, and a PTI boycott, and the August 10 final phase in Poonch will decide the assembly balance and shape scrutiny of the vote.