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Preparations are in full swing for the second phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections, with polling scheduled for August 2 across Muzaffarabad Division and 12 refugee seats. The second phase will cover the three districts of Muzaffarabad Division—Muzaffarabad, Neelum and Jhelum Valley—as well as 12 constituencies reserved for Kashmiri refugees residing in Pakistan. According to election authorities, a total of 890,621 registered voters are eligible to cast their ballots in the nine constituencies of Muzaffarabad Division. Of these, 427,955 are male voters, while 381,666 are female voters. To facilitate polling, 1,483 polling stations have been established across the division. District Muzaffarabad, which has five constituencies, will have 1,205 polling stations. District Neelum, comprising two constituencies, will have 278 polling stations, while 328 polling stations have been set up in the two constituencies of Jhelum Valley. A total of 208 candidates are contesting the nine seats in Muzaffarabad Division, making the second phase a closely watched electoral contest. Meanwhile, Kashmiri refugees living in Pakistan will also cast their votes for 12 refugee constituencies, evenly divided between six Jammu seats and six Valley seats. The Jammu refugee constituencies include LA-34 Jammu-I through LA-39 Jammu-VI, while the Valley refugee constituencies comprise LA-40 Valley-I through LA-45 Valley-VI. The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Election Commission will announce the results of all 12 refugee constituencies after the completion of polling. Authorities have said all necessary arrangements have been finalised to ensure a peaceful, transparent and orderly voting process during the second phase of the elections.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers’ meeting, where both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and promoting peace through diplomacy. During the meeting, the two foreign ministers reviewed the evolving regional situation, particularly rising tensions in the Middle East. They discussed recent developments affecting regional security and agreed that continued dialogue, restraint and diplomatic engagement remain the most effective path toward achieving lasting peace and stability. Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining close and friendly relations with Iran. He stressed the importance of avoiding further escalation and called on all parties to resolve differences through peaceful negotiations. He also highlighted the need to build upon the understandings reached under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in June 2026, which aimed to encourage diplomatic engagement and reduce regional tensions. The Pakistani foreign minister expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in the region and said cooperation among neighbouring countries is essential to preserve peace, protect economic interests and ensure regional stability. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and promote constructive dialogue. He thanked Pakistan for its continued support in regional peace initiatives and acknowledged Islamabad’s role in facilitating the safe return of Iranian fishermen and crew members, including individuals whose vessels had been intercepted during recent regional tensions. Both leaders agreed to maintain close coordination and regular consultations on regional and international issues of mutual interest. They reiterated their shared commitment to strengthening cooperation for peace, security and prosperity in the region. The meeting took place as tensions between the United States and Iran continue to escalate. Recent military exchanges have increased concerns about wider instability in the Middle East, with continued air strikes and retaliatory actions raising fears of a broader regional conflict. The situation has also affected key international shipping routes, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, increasing concerns over global energy supplies and international trade. The uncertainty has contributed to higher oil prices and renewed fears about the impact on the global economy. In recent days, US President Donald Trump warned of stronger military action against Iran following attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea. Iranian officials, however, have continued to reject the accusations and have criticised recent US policies, including proposals concerning frozen Iranian assets. Against this backdrop, Pakistan has continued to advocate dialogue and diplomacy as the only sustainable solution to regional disputes. Pakistani officials maintain that peaceful engagement remains essential to preventing further escalation and ensuring long-term stability across the Middle East.