Voting Ends in Four Pakistan-Administered Kashmir Seats Amid Unrest

Voting concluded in four constituencies of Pakistan-administered Kashmir on Monday, August 10, 2026, marking the end of a scaled-back third phase of legislative elections that was overshadowed by months of unrest and the indefinite postponement of polling in seven other areas. The partial vote in Bagh and Haveli districts highlighted the deep political and security tensions gripping the region, even as the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) solidified its commanding lead.

Polling stations opened at 8 a.m. and closed at 5 p.m. across the four constituencies, with approximately 460,000 registered voters eligible to cast ballots. Authorities deployed an additional 10,300 security personnel to protect voters and maintain order, with the Election Commission classifying about 803 polling stations as sensitive or highly sensitive. The vote was originally scheduled for all 11 constituencies in the Poonch division, but elections in five constituencies in Poonch district and two in Sudhnoti were postponed last week due to security concerns. The Election Commission has indicated a new timetable for those areas will be announced after conditions are reviewed.