AJK Elections 2026: 1,241 candidates submit nomination papers across 45 constituencies

MUZAFFARABAD: The deadline to submit nomination papers for the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections 2026 has officially closed, with a total of 1,241 candidates filing from across the region, ARY News reported.

According to AJK Election Commission officials, candidates from all 45 constituencies submitted their papers before the cutoff. The highest number came from Mirpur division where 406 people filed nominations, followed by Muzaffarabad division with 337 candidates and Poonch division with 294. From the 12 constituencies reserved for Jammu and Kashmir refugees residing in Pakistan, 218 candidates submitted their papers.

Political activity has picked up pace now that the filing phase is over. PML-N has moved ahead quickly and issued party tickets for 37 constituencies. Eight seats are still pending finalization as the party reviews candidates. Other major parties including PPP, Muslim Conference and Jamiat Ahle Hadith have not issued tickets yet. Party sources say parliamentary tickets from most political parties are expected within the next two days.

The AJK Election Commission has so far registered 24 political parties for the upcoming polls. With registration disputes now settled and the bat symbol restored for PTI following the High Court verdict, the contest is shaping up to be competitive across all divisions.

The next stage will involve scrutiny of nomination papers, after which the final list of contesting candidates will be published. Election fever is building in Muzaffarabad, Mirpur and Poonch as parties finalize their lineups for the 2026 assembly elections.

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