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Pakistan has strongly condemned recent remarks by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh about Jammu and Kashmir. Islamabad warned New Delhi against any move that could increase tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. The Foreign Office said Singh’s comments were provocative and irresponsible. It said the remarks misrepresented the internationally recognised position on the Kashmir dispute. Pakistan maintained that the Jammu and Kashmir issue remains on the agenda of the United Nations Security Council. Islamabad said relevant UN resolutions remain an important part of the international framework surrounding the dispute. The Foreign Office said India could not change the disputed status of Kashmir through political statements. It also rejected what it described as attempts to present the issue as settled through unilateral claims. Pakistan warned India not to underestimate the resolve of its government and people. The Foreign Office said Islamabad was determined to protect the country’s interests and respond to any attempt at military adventurism. The statement also called on the international community to take notice of India’s policies. Pakistan specifically urged the United Nations to pay attention to what it described as India’s failure to comply with relevant Security Council resolutions. Islamabad said the Indian minister’s comments appeared to divert attention from other issues. The Foreign Office referred to Pakistan’s allegations concerning the situation in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. The statement also accused India of contributing to regional instability. Pakistan said threatening rhetoric could have wider consequences for peace and security in South Asia. The latest response came a day after Defence Minister Khawaja Asif rejected Singh’s remarks. Asif said political statements from New Delhi could not alter the internationally recognised nature of the Kashmir dispute. Asif also criticised what he called intimidation and threatening rhetoric. He said Pakistan would not accept attempts to change established positions through unilateral declarations. Relations between Pakistan and India have remained tense for decades, with Kashmir continuing to be a major source of disagreement. Both countries claim the disputed region, while controlling separate parts of it. Pakistan has consistently called for the Kashmir issue to be resolved through the relevant international framework. Islamabad has also stressed the right of the Kashmiri people to determine their political future. The latest exchange of statements has further highlighted the deep differences between the two countries. Pakistan has urged India to avoid actions and statements that could worsen the regional security situation. Islamabad’s warning comes as both sides remain highly sensitive to developments involving Kashmir. Pakistani officials have repeatedly said that peace in South Asia requires dialogue and respect for international commitments.

MUZAFFARABAD: Polling is underway in the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections. Voting started at 8am and will continue until 5pm. Elections are being held today in 13 constituencies across three districts of Mirpur division — Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber. Polling has started at several stations. However, voting has yet to begin at some locations because voters have not arrived. In Kotli, polling is underway at Polling Station No. 38 in Aghar Colony. Voting has not started at polling stations 36 and 37 due to the absence of voters. Candidates cast votes Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) candidate Chaudhry Tariq Farooq, contesting from LA-7 in Bhimber, cast his vote at Polling Station No. 161. Speaking after voting, Farooq said voter turnout was expected to be higher in rural areas than in cities. He also urged women to leave their homes after completing household responsibilities and exercise their right to vote. Farooq expressed satisfaction with the law and order situation and the arrangements made for the elections in Bhimber. PPP confident of victory Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Secretary General Muhammad Humayun Khan said the party was confident of securing a strong victory in the Azad Kashmir elections. He said the party’s electoral symbol, the arrow, represented the Kashmiri people’s rights to governance, ownership and employment. Humayun Khan said the PPP would continue to raise the voice of the people of Kashmir at every forum. He also called for the establishment of a truth and reconciliation commission, describing it as an important need. PPP Parliamentarians Secretary General Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari also expressed confidence that voters in Azad Kashmir would support the PPP. He said the party had played an important role in establishing a parliamentary democratic system in Azad Kashmir. More than 1.4 million voters registered A total of 296 candidates are contesting the elections, including candidates from the PPP, PML-N, Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party and independent candidates. There are 1,401,439 registered voters across the 13 constituencies. The number includes 725,118 male voters and 675,628 female voters. A total of 2,454 polling stations have been established across Mirpur division. Mirpur district has 597 polling stations across four constituencies. Kotli has 1,107 stations across six constituencies, while 608 polling stations have been established in three constituencies of Bhimber. Officials urge voters to participate Mirpur Commissioner Raja Tahir Mumtaz and DIG Kamran Ali visited wards 16 and 17 of LA-3 to review the polling arrangements. Speaking to the media, Commissioner Mumtaz said polling was proceeding peacefully across all three districts from 8am. He urged voters to come out and cast their ballots without fear. He assured the public that the administration had arranged a peaceful environment for voters. Tight security arrangements Authorities have put in place extensive security measures for the elections. Azad Kashmir Chief Election Commissioner Justice (retd) Mustafa Mughal warned that legal action would be taken against anyone attempting to disrupt the voting process. AJK Chief Secretary Khushal Khan said the people of Azad Kashmir had rejected groups seeking to create disorder and had shown confidence in the democratic process. He said all state institutions were prepared to ensure peaceful elections.

Polling in the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections was extended by one hour on Monday. Voting in Bhimber, Mirpur and Kotli continued until 6pm. The extension was announced as several polling stations faced disruptions and complaints. Political parties also raised concerns about alleged interference and security issues during the voting process. The first phase of the AJK elections covers all 13 constituencies of Mirpur Division. The division includes four seats in Mirpur, three in Bhimber and six in Kotli. More than 1.4 million registered voters are eligible to cast their votes in the first phase. Election authorities established 2,454 polling stations and 3,701 polling booths across the division. Around 22,000 election officials were assigned duties to manage the polling process. Security was also increased at polling stations across the region. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) raised several complaints during the day. PPP AJK Election Cell in-charge Sardar Abdul Shakoor called on the Election Commission to take immediate notice of disruptions at polling stations. Polling at Station 108 in LA-13 Kotli-VI was reportedly suspended for around two hours. Shakoor said the interruption was affecting voters and preventing them from exercising their right to vote. He demanded that polling be restored immediately. He also called for an investigation into the reasons behind the suspension. The PPP also alleged interference at several polling stations in LA-8 Raj Mahal and LA-12 Charhoi. The party claimed that some PML-N supporters were attempting to influence the polling process. The allegations included the presence of armed individuals near some polling stations. The PPP demanded stronger security arrangements to protect voters, polling staff and election material. Another serious incident was reported in LA-9 Nikyal. A PPP worker was killed during an incident that the party linked to alleged intimidation and the display of weapons. PPP officials identified the deceased as 35-year-old Mukhtar Younus. The party demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible for the incident. Shakoor alleged that weapons had been displayed in the area before polling day. He claimed that timely action by the authorities could have prevented the situation from worsening. The PPP also accused the federal government of interfering in the AJK elections. PPP Secretary General Nadeem Afzal Chan demanded that federal officials and government machinery remain neutral during the electoral process. He said political parties should be allowed to compete without outside interference. Chan also raised concerns over alleged use of state resources during the election campaign. He called for development announcements and other government activities that could influence voters to be stopped during the election period. The PPP has established an election monitoring cell in Islamabad. Senior party leaders are monitoring polling-related complaints through the cell. The monitoring team is also maintaining contact with election officials, district administrations, candidates and party representatives. The PPP said the purpose of the cell was to monitor the election process and report any violations. Meanwhile, the Election Commission took action against two presiding officers in Kotli. The officials were accused of failing to report to their assigned polling stations. They allegedly went to a private residence instead. An FIR was registered against both officials. They were arrested and later suspended from service. Election authorities said strict action would be taken against officials who violate election rules. They also warned that negligence and irregularities in the polling process would not be tolerated. Security remained a major focus during polling. Authorities declared 1,965 polling stations sensitive or highly sensitive. More than 19,000 security personnel were deployed across Mirpur Division. The force included around 17,000 police personnel. Around 2,100 Army personnel were also kept on standby. They could be deployed as a backup force if the security situation deteriorated. Despite the complaints and isolated incidents, polling continued at most stations. In LA-1 Dadyal, voting began in a peaceful atmosphere. Security arrangements were strengthened around all polling stations in the constituency. More than 105,000 voters are registered in Dadyal. The constituency has 139 polling stations and 234 polling booths. The first phase of the elections is being held under a revised schedule. Polling in Muzaffarabad Division and the 12 refugee constituencies is scheduled for August 2. The final phase will be held in Poonch Division on August 10. A total of 288 candidates are contesting the 13 seats in Mirpur Division. Election authorities have urged candidates, workers and voters to maintain peace and follow the electoral code of conduct.

Polling for the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections concluded on Monday, with vote counting now underway across 13 constituencies in Mirpur Division. The first phase covered three districts — Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber. Polling was initially scheduled to end at 5pm but was extended by one hour. Voting continued until 6pm to provide voters with additional time to cast their ballots. More than 1.4 million registered voters were eligible to participate in the first phase. The Election Commission had established 2,454 polling stations across the three districts. Of these, 597 polling stations were set up across four constituencies in Mirpur district. Kotli had 1,107 polling stations across six constituencies, while 608 polling stations were established in three constituencies of Bhimber. A total of 296 candidates, including nominees from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party and independent candidates, contested the 13 seats. Polling disrupted at some stations Although polling remained largely peaceful, some polling stations reported disruptions. In Kotli’s Aghaar Colony, voting continued at Polling Station 38. However, polling could not begin at Stations 36 and 37 because voters did not arrive. PPP AJK Election Cell in-charge Sardar Abdul Shakoor claimed that disturbances occurred at polling stations 119, 120 and 121 in LA-5 Barnala. He said polling was affected for some time. According to Shakoor, voting resumed after security forces reached the area. However, he said the polling process remained slow. The PPP also established a central election monitoring cell in Islamabad. Senior party leaders, including Sherry Rehman, Nadeem Afzal Chan, Shazia Marri, Sharjeel Memon and Saeed Ghani, monitored developments and remained in contact with election officials, district administrations and party candidates. Former National Assembly speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf expressed concern over alleged irregularities at different polling stations. He called for additional security personnel at sensitive locations, including Gulpur, Thurochi and Muhajir Camp. He urged the Election Commission to immediately and impartially investigate all complaints and ensure free, fair and transparent elections. Political leaders urge voters to participate PML-N candidate Chaudhry Tariq Farooq cast his vote at Polling Station 161 in Bhimber’s LA-7 constituency. Speaking after voting, Farooq said voter turnout was expected to be higher in rural areas than in cities. He also expressed confidence in the security and election arrangements in Bhimber. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, accompanied by his sister Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, appealed to voters in Mirpur to participate in the elections. In a video message, Bilawal urged people to leave their homes and exercise their right to vote if they wanted Kashmir’s future to be decided by its people. He also asked voters to support PPP candidates. PPP Karachi Division President Saeed Ghani described the election as a contest between the genuine issues of Kashmiris and what he called false promises. Ghani said Kashmiris needed political rights, ownership rights and employment opportunities. He criticised the focus on providing a limited number of buses, saying development should address wider public needs. PPP leader Nadeem Afzal Chan also raised concerns about alleged federal interference and the use of government resources during the elections. He demanded that the polls remain free, fair and transparent. He also called on the federal government to avoid any involvement that could influence the electoral process. PPP spokesperson Shazia Marri said the people of Kashmir would deliver their verdict through their votes. She said the party’s election symbol, the arrow, represented hope for the people of Mirpur. Police praise peaceful polling AJK police said the first phase of polling remained peaceful across Mirpur Division. A spokesperson for the AJK police chief said voters had rejected calls for unrest and instead chose to exercise their democratic right. Voters began arriving at polling stations soon after voting opened at 8am. AJK Inspector General of Police Liaquat Ali Malik thanked residents for cooperating with law enforcement agencies and helping maintain peace during the election. He warned that no individual, including political workers, would be allowed to take the law into their own hands. Mirpur Commissioner Raja Tahir Mumtaz and DIG Kamran Ali also visited Ward 16/17 in LA-3 to review the polling arrangements. The commissioner said polling had remained peaceful across Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber. He urged voters to come out without fear and assured them that the administration had made arrangements for a secure environment. Security arrangements strengthened Authorities made extensive security arrangements for the elections. AJK Chief Election Commissioner Justice (retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal said legal action would be taken against anyone attempting to disrupt the voting process. AJK Chief Secretary Khushal Khan said state institutions were fully prepared to maintain peace during the elections. He said the people had rejected attempts to create disorder and demonstrated confidence in the democratic process.

Unofficial and preliminary results from the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections have started to emerge, with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) locked in a close contest across several constituencies. The first phase covered 13 constituencies in Mirpur Division, including the districts of Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber. Vote counting began after polling ended. The preliminary results from the constituencies are as follows: LA-1 Mirpur-I: Results from 17 of the 139 polling stations have been received. PML-N candidate Azhar Sadiq is leading with 1,692 votes. PPP candidate Muhammad Afsar Shahid is in second place with 1,482 votes. LA-2 Mirpur-II: Results from 34 of 149 polling stations have been reported. PPP candidate Qasim Majeed is ahead with 3,103 votes. PML-N’s Azeem Bakhsh Chaudhry has secured 2,409 votes and is in second place. LA-3 Mirpur-III: Results from 18 of 161 polling stations show PML-N candidate Chaudhry Muhammad Saeed leading with 2,265 votes. PPP candidate Chaudhry Yasir Sultan is second with 1,470 votes. LA-4 Mirpur-IV: Results from only two of 162 polling stations have been received. PML-N candidate Chaudhry Rukhsar Ahmed is leading with 327 votes. PPP candidate Chaudhry Sohaib Arshad has 223 votes. LA-5 Bhimber-I: Results from 15 of 176 polling stations show PPP candidate Chaudhry Parvez Ashraf in the lead with 2,310 votes. PML-N candidate Waqar Ahmed Noor is second with 1,767 votes. LA-6 Bhimber-II: Results from six of 195 polling stations have been received. Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party candidate Ali Shan Chaudhry is leading with 1,313 votes. PML-N candidate Chaudhry Muhammad Razzaq is second with 585 votes. LA-7 Bhimber-III: Results from 27 of 237 polling stations show PML-N candidate Chaudhry Tariq Farooq leading with 5,331 votes. Independent candidate Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq is second with 2,598 votes. LA-8 Kotli-I: Results from 10 of 155 polling stations show PPP candidate Zafar Iqbal Malik ahead with 1,221 votes. PML-N candidate Malik Muhammad Nawaz Khan is close behind with 1,174 votes. LA-9 Kotli-II: Results from one of 178 polling stations have been received. PML-N candidate Umair Naeem is leading with 534 votes, while PPP candidate Javed Iqbal Budhanvi has 25 votes. LA-10 Kotli-III: Results from 12 of 169 polling stations show PML-N candidate Fateh Mahmood-ul-Hassan leading with 1,649 votes. PPP candidate Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin has 1,330 votes. LA-11 Kotli-IV: Results from three of 206 polling stations have been received. PPP candidate Chaudhry Muhammad Akhlaq is leading with 489 votes. PML-N candidate Muhammad Asif has 294 votes. LA-13 Kotli-VI: Results from 67 of 193 polling stations show PML-N candidate Raja Ayaz Ahmed Khan leading with 10,389 votes. PPP candidate Muhammad Waleed Inqalabi is second with 8,785 votes. The results remain unofficial and could change as counting continues and results from the remaining polling stations are received. Claims of disruption in Bhimber PPP AJK Election Cell in-charge Sardar Abdul Shakoor claimed that disturbances took place at polling stations 119, 120 and 121 in LA-5 Barnala. He said the disruption affected the polling process. According to Shakoor, voting resumed after security forces reached the area. However, he said polling remained slow afterward. Raja Pervez Ashraf calls for action PPP leader Raja Pervez Ashraf expressed concern over alleged irregularities in several constituencies. He called for additional security personnel at sensitive polling stations, including locations in Gulpur, Thurochi and Muhajir Camp. Ashraf urged the Election Commission to take immediate and impartial notice of all complaints. He also called for steps to ensure that the elections remain free, transparent and fair. Police say polling remained peaceful The spokesperson for the AJK inspector general of police said polling in the first phase across Mirpur Division remained peaceful. The spokesperson said residents had rejected a call for a long march by a banned committee. Instead, voters chose to exercise their democratic right. Voters began arriving at polling stations soon after voting opened at 8am. AJK Inspector General of Police Liaquat Ali Malik thanked residents for cooperating with authorities and helping maintain peace during the electoral process. He warned that no one, including political workers, would be allowed to take the law into their own hands.

Unofficial and preliminary results from the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections show the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leading in eight of the 13 constituencies. Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) candidates are ahead in the remaining five constituencies, according to the results received so far. The first phase covered 13 constituencies across Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber districts. Vote counting is continuing, and the results remain unofficial. LA-1 Mirpur-I Results from 17 of 139 polling stations have been received. PML-N candidate Azhar Sadiq is leading with 1,692 votes. PPP candidate Muhammad Afsar Shahid is second with 1,482 votes. LA-2 Mirpur-II Results from 40 of 149 polling stations are available. PPP candidate Qasim Majeed is leading with 3,455 votes. PML-N candidate Azeem Bakhsh Chaudhry has secured 2,915 votes. LA-3 Mirpur-III Results from 31 of 161 polling stations have been received. PML-N candidate Chaudhry Muhammad Saeed is ahead with 2,986 votes. PPP candidate Chaudhry Yasir Sultan is in second place with 2,648 votes. LA-4 Mirpur-IV Only four of 162 polling stations have reported results. PML-N candidate Chaudhry Rukhsar Ahmed is leading with 594 votes. PPP candidate Chaudhry Sohaib Arshad has received 345 votes. LA-5 Bhimber-I Results from 104 of 176 polling stations have been received. PML-N candidate Waqar Ahmed Noor is leading with 19,592 votes. PPP candidate Chaudhry Parvez Ashraf is second with 16,335 votes. LA-6 Bhimber-II Results from 24 of 195 polling stations have been reported. PML-N candidate Chaudhry Muhammad Razzaq is leading with 3,814 votes. Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party candidate Ali Shan Chaudhry has secured 3,351 votes. LA-7 Bhimber-III Results from 34 of 237 polling stations are available. PML-N candidate Chaudhry Tariq Farooq is leading with 6,346 votes. Independent candidate Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq is second with 3,552 votes. LA-8 Kotli-I Results from 10 of 155 polling stations have been received. PPP candidate Zafar Iqbal Malik is ahead with 1,221 votes. PML-N candidate Malik Muhammad Nawaz Khan is close behind with 1,174 votes. LA-9 Kotli-II Results from 105 of 178 polling stations are available. PML-N candidate Umair Naeem is leading with 21,682 votes. PPP candidate Javed Iqbal Budhanvi has received 13,484 votes. LA-10 Kotli-III Results from 36 of 169 polling stations have been received. PPP candidate Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin is leading with 6,999 votes. PML-N candidate Fateh Mahmood-ul-Hassan is second with 3,560 votes. LA-11 Kotli-IV Results from 73 of 206 polling stations are available. PPP candidate Chaudhry Muhammad Akhlaq is leading with 10,659 votes. PML-N candidate Muhammad Asif has secured 9,264 votes. LA-12 Kotli-V Results from 40 of 207 polling stations have been received. PPP candidate Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin is ahead with 2,613 votes. PML-N candidate Muhammad Riasat Khan has received 1,255 votes. LA-13 Kotli-VI Results from 110 of 193 polling stations are available. PML-N candidate Raja Ayaz Ahmed Khan is leading with 13,063 votes. Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party candidate Nisar Ansar Abdali is second with 8,995 votes. Disturbances reported in Bhimber PPP AJK Election Cell in-charge Sardar Abdul Shakoor claimed that disturbances occurred at polling stations 119, 120 and 121 in LA-5 Barnala. He said the incident affected polling in the area. According to Shakoor, voting resumed after security forces arrived, but the process remained slow. Raja Pervez Ashraf seeks action on complaints PPP leader Raja Pervez Ashraf expressed concern over alleged electoral irregularities in several constituencies. He called for additional security personnel at sensitive polling stations, including those in Gulpur, Thurochi and Muhajir Camp. Ashraf urged the Election Commission to take immediate and impartial notice of all complaints. He also called for measures to ensure free, transparent and fair elections.

Polling in the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections ended on Monday after a day marked by political tensions, allegations of rigging and several security-related incidents across Mirpur Division. Voting began at 8am and continued until 6pm after authorities extended polling hours by one hour. The first phase covered 13 constituencies in Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber districts. The election saw a close contest between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and Pakistan Peoples Party. The Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party also remained in the race in several constituencies. The most serious incident was reported in LA-9 Kotli-II, where PPP worker Mukhtar Younus was killed and two people, including his father, were injured in a firing incident. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari blamed PML-N candidate Sardar Umair Naeem for the incident. He alleged that Younus was killed in firing linked to the PML-N candidate and questioned why authorities had not acted earlier against alleged threats. Bilawal said a video had reportedly surfaced two days before the incident showing Naeem and his associates allegedly firing weapons in public. He argued that timely action could have prevented the loss of life. PPP AJK Election Cell in-charge Sardar Abdul Shakoor demanded immediate arrests and called for stronger measures to protect voters and political workers. The PML-N rejected the PPP’s version of events. The party claimed that Younus had also been involved in its election campaign activities. The incident came against the backdrop of earlier violence in Kotli. A PML-N activist was killed and two others were injured in a firing incident on July 10 while they were returning from an election campaign. Polling disrupted at several stations Voting was also suspended for the remainder of the day at three polling stations in Kotli and two in Bhimber following election-related incidents. Officials said the possibility of re-polling would depend on whether the number of votes affected could change the final result. In Bhimber’s Samahni tehsil, supporters of IPP candidate Ali Shan Soni allegedly took ballot boxes away from a polling station. Videos showing the alleged incident also circulated online. Mirpur Commissioner Raja Tahir Mumtaz said a ballot box was later set on fire at another polling station. Police detained around 30 people in connection with the incident. The PPP and PML-N exchanged allegations of electoral interference in several constituencies. The PPP accused PML-N supporters of attempting to influence polling in LA-12 Kotli-V. It alleged that PML-N candidate Raja Riasat Khan entered polling stations with armed men. The party also raised objections over alleged interference at polling stations in LA-8 Kotli-I and called on the Election Commission to investigate. The PPP further complained that slow mobile phone services were affecting communication for voters, journalists and emergency responders. PML-N, PPP trade rigging allegations The PML-N also raised allegations of pre-poll and polling-day irregularities. PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah alleged interference in LA-10 Kotli-III and claimed that PPP AJK President Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin was involved in alleged manipulation of the electoral process. He demanded an investigation and said his party would not accept the constituency’s results until the allegations were examined. The Election Commission separately confirmed that two presiding officers in Kotli had been arrested and suspended after reportedly failing to reach their assigned polling stations. According to officials, the presiding officers had collected election material but went to a private residence instead of reporting to their designated polling stations. An FIR was registered in connection with the matter, while replacement presiding officers were appointed and the election material was taken into official custody. PPP leader Nadeem Afzal Chan rejected the PML-N’s allegations and instead accused the federal government of influencing the elections. He claimed that government resources and development announcements were being used during the election period. He called for the federal administration to stay away from the electoral process and urged all parties to allow voters to make their choice freely. Security tightened across Mirpur Division Authorities deployed a large security force to maintain order during polling. A total of 288 candidates contested the 13 constituencies. The Election Commission established 2,316 polling stations, including 1,241 classified as highly sensitive and 724 as sensitive. More than 18,500 police and other law-enforcement personnel were deployed under a three-tier security arrangement. Police formed the first security layer, while Rangers and the Federal Constabulary formed the second. The Pakistan Army provided the third layer and remained prepared to respond to emergencies. Around 2,100 army personnel were also deployed, while Quick Response Force teams remained on standby. AJK Inspector General of Police retired Captain Liaquat Ali Malik said the election remained largely peaceful despite a few incidents. He described minor arguments and scuffles as common during closely contested elections but warned that anyone attempting to disrupt polling would face legal action regardless of political affiliation. The AJK chief election commissioner had also warned before polling that strict action would be taken against anyone attempting to interfere with the electoral process. Preliminary results show close race Unofficial results indicated a competitive contest between the PML-N and PPP. The PML-N was leading in LA-1 Dadyal with 8,271 votes and was also ahead in LA-7 Bhimber with 14,560 votes. The party was also leading in LA-5 Bhimber with 2,545 votes in the preliminary figures available at the time. The PPP was leading in LA-2 Mirpur with 3,103 votes. The results remained preliminary and unofficial, with counting and compilation continuing after polling ended. The first phase is part of a three-stage election schedule adopted due to security concerns. The second phase is scheduled for August 2 and will cover nine constituencies of Muzaffarabad Division and 12 refugee constituencies. The third phase will be held on August 10 in 11 constituencies of Poonch Division. Bilawal and Nawaz clash over election campaign The AJK election has also become a political contest between senior leaders of the PPP and PML-N. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif both participated in election campaigning before polling. Nawaz criticised the PPP’s political record in Sindh during a campaign rally