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Residents of Pakistan-administered Kashmir have started voting in the first phase of legislative elections amid heightened security and political tensions.
Mariyam Adheela
Police vehicles parked in Muzaffarabad, Pakistan-administered Kashmir, during a protest -- Photo: AFP/File
MUZAFFARABAD, Pakistan: Voting has begun in the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections, with residents of the Mirpur division casting their ballots today.
The elections are being held in three phases. Polling in the first phase covers constituencies in the Mirpur division, while voting in other areas will take place in the coming weeks.
The election is taking place amid weeks of political unrest and protests
in the region. Authorities have increased security measures and said arrangements have been made to ensure peaceful voting.
The AJK Legislative Assembly consists of 45 seats, and political parties are competing to form the next regional government.
