- Elections for the 45-seat Legislative Assembly in Pakistan-administered Kashmir have been split across three dates: Mirpur division votes as planned, Muzaffarabad division and the 12 seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees follow on August 2, while Poonch division goes to the polls on August 10.
- The 12 assembly seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees have become a central issue, with the government stating they cannot be altered without a constitutional amendment.
- Of the AJK Legislative Assembly's 45 elected seats, 33 are filled from constituencies within the territory, while 12 are reserved for refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir.
- Pakistan-administered Kashmir’s electorate has grown from 3.2 million voters in 2021 to more than 3.8 million this year, with the 12 refugee constituencies accounting for roughly 439,000 registered voters.
- The AJK Supreme Court ruled that the 12 seats are protected under AJK’s constitution and can only be abolished through a formal constitutional amendment.
Elections in Pakistan-administered Kashmir will determine 45 of the 53 members of the Legislative Assembly, with polling scheduled in three phases: July 27, August 2, and August 10. The 12 seats reserved for refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir are particularly contentious, as they account for roughly 439,000 registered voters scattered across cities like Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Sialkot.78
The arrangement for these seats dates back to the 1960s and was formalized in the 1974 Interim Constitution. However, the government maintains that these seats cannot be abolished without a constitutional amendment, a stance supported by a recent court ruling. The Electoral Commission has revised the polling schedule to ensure transparency and fairness, responding to political party consultations.34
This election comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following military clashes in 2025 and widespread protests in Pakistan over rising living costs. The Electorate has grown significantly, from 3.2 million in 2021 to over 3.8 million this year, reflecting a growing political engagement in the region. The JAAC has called for the abolition of the refugee seats, but the government insists on the need for constitutional processes.
As the elections approach, the focus remains on how these dynamics will influence the political landscape in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and the broader implications for Indo-Pak relations.
“Pakistan-administered Kashmir's electorate has increased from 3.2 million in 2021 to over 3.8 million this year, with 439,000 registered voters in the 12 refugee constituencies. The AJK Supreme Court ruled that these seats are protected under the constitution and can only be abolished through a formal constitutional amendment.”
