After the directives from the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Election Commission, the Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday announced a public holiday on July 27, 2026, due to the general elections. The Department of Services and General Administration (S&GAD) issued a proper notification in this regard. In the first phase, elections for the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly will be held on July 27, 2026. Azad Jammu and Kashmir Election Commission proposed a public holiday on the day of polling.

The holiday will be observed in Mirpur division only. Security arrangements are also being finalised, with the deployment of additional personnel from the armed forces, Rangers, and other law enforcement agencies expected to maintain law and order during the polls. More than 3.4 million voters in AJK are expected to exercise their right to vote, while over 500,000 new voters have been added to the electoral rolls, Election Commission sources said.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)