Third phase of Azad Jammu and Kashmir polls starts in Bagh and Haveli districts with 10,300 troops deployed.

The third phase of elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir started at 8 a.m. in four constituencies in Bagh and Haveli districts. Polling will run until 5 p.m. Government officials warned of possible clashes. The Election Commission marked most of the 803 stations as sensitive or highly sensitive and added 10,300 troops to the regular police to create a fear‑free environment. Elections are held in phases across the region amid tensions between protesters and authorities. The first two phases, held on July 27 and August 2, awarded the Pakistan Muslim League – N 24 seats and the Pakistan Peoples Party 10 seats. The original plan for the third phase included all 11 constituencies in Poonch Division. Security concerns caused the commission to schedule only Bagh and Haveli for the current day, with the remaining seven constituencies tentatively slated for August 20 or 21. Three former prime ministers—Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, Tanveer Ilyas, and Attique Ahmed Khan—contest seats in Bagh, Haveli, and Dhirkot. Each faces opponents from the PML‑N, PPP, and other parties. Around 238,664 men and 221,707 women are eligible to vote at 803 stations comprising 1,254 booths. Seventy‑two candidates are in the fray, with the highest number—30—fielded in LA‑14 Dhirkot and the lowest—nine— in LA‑17 Haveli. In LA‑17, Rathore faces PML‑N candidate Engr Mohsin Aziz and independent candidate Khawaja Tariq Saeed. Saeed, a former ally turned rival, contests the seat after he declined a request to step aside. Allegations of electoral irregularities surfaced for two officials in LA‑17. Election Commission Secretary Shakeel said complaints were received, the officials were relieved of duties, and the allegations were dismissed. The ongoing elections continue to be closely monitored as security forces maintain readiness while voters head to the polling stations.