AJK Elections Phase 3: Voting Starts in Bagh and Haveli
AJK Assembly Elections Enter Third Phase Across Four Constituencies
AJK POLLS PHASE 3
Illustration concept: A line of voters standing outside a polling station in a mountain town in Azad Kashmir during daytime voting, documentary photography style.
AI summary
Polling has commenced across four electoral constituencies in the Bagh and Haveli districts for the third round of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections. Over 460,000 registered citizens are casting their ballots for 72 candidates, including the sitting prime minister and two former premiers.
Why this matters
This phase features prominent political figures, including current Prime Minister Faisal Rathore and former premiers Sardar Atiq Ahmed Khan and Sardar Tanveer Ilyas. The outcome in these competitive electoral pockets will play a critical role in shaping the power balance within the regional legislature.
Key takeaways
- Polling is underway across four constituencies in Bagh and Haveli districts for the third phase of the AJK assembly elections.
- Around 460,000 registered voters are deciding the fate of 72 candidates running for office.
- Incumbent Prime Minister Faisal Rathore and former premiers Sardar Atiq Ahmed Khan and Sardar Tanveer Ilyas are among the main candidates.
- Elections in seven constituencies across Poonch and Sudhanoti districts have been postponed following schedule changes.
Voters in Azad Jammu and Kashmir began casting their ballots on Monday as the third phase of the regional Legislative Assembly elections kicked off across four electoral divisions in Bagh and Haveli districts. Polling commenced in the morning and is scheduled to run uninterrupted until 5:00 PM to accommodate an estimated 460,000 registered electors.
The current electoral round follows modifications to the official voting schedule. While polling is proceeding in three constituencies within Bagh district and one in Haveli, elections in five electoral sectors in Poonch district alongside two in Sudhanoti have been delayed.
A total of 72 candidates are competing across the four active constituencies. High-profile political figures are among those seeking office, including current Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Faisal Rathore, who is contesting the LA-17 Haveli seat against eight other contenders.
In Bagh district, two former prime ministers are on the ballot. Sardar Atiq Ahmed Khan is competing among 21 candidates in LA-14 Bagh, while Sardar Tanveer Ilyas is running against 19 other contenders in LA-15 Bagh. The LA-16 Bagh constituency features the largest field in this phase, with 22 candidates vying for the seat.
Key political groups, including the Muslim Conference and the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party, are actively contesting this round, according to media reports published by Business Recorder.
Frequently asked questions
- Which constituencies are participating in this phase of the AJK elections?
- Polling is taking place in four constituencies: LA-14 Bagh, LA-15 Bagh, LA-16 Bagh, and LA-17 Haveli.
- Who are the prominent leaders contesting in this election phase?
- Incumbent AJK Prime Minister Faisal Rathore is contesting in LA-17 Haveli, while former prime ministers Sardar Atiq Ahmed Khan and Sardar Tanveer Ilyas are running in LA-14 Bagh and LA-15 Bagh, respectively.
- Why were constituencies in Poonch and Sudhanoti not polled on Monday?
- Following revisions to the election timetable, voting in five constituencies in Poonch district and two constituencies in Sudhanoti was postponed.
Source & transparency
- By:
- The Reviser Desk
- Source:
- Business Recorder
- Original publication:
- Aug 10, 2026, 8:05 AM
- The Reviser publication:
- Aug 10, 2026, 8:05 AM
- Updated:
- Aug 10, 2026, 8:31 AM
This report was independently written by The Reviser editorial desk from verified source material. It is not original on-the-ground reporting by The Reviser.
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