Political tensions simmer in AJK’s LA-17 Haveli constituency

Political tensions in Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s (AJK) LA-17 Haveli constituency on Wednesday escalated after several vehicles parked along a roadside in the village of Hoter were vandalised, with allegations also surfacing that passports and cash belonging to some visitors were taken during the incident.

The AJK general elections are being held in phases across the territory. Polling in the first phase, covering Mirpur Division, has already been completed, followed by the second phase in Muzaffarabad Division and the refugee constituencies.

Local sources alleged that workers affiliated with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and an independent candidate attacked people gathered outside the residence of Zahid Hashmi, a senior Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader and president of the International Kashmir Peace Forum Europe (IKPF), in his native village.

During the alleged attack, several vehicles parked on the roadside were damaged with their windows smashed, according to residents and affected individuals.

Some of the vehicles belonged to people who had travelled from Saudi Arabia specifically to cast their votes in the closely contested constituency. The affected persons alleged that, in addition to damaging their vehicles, the attackers took away passports and cash.

The incident came amid heightened political tensions in LA-17 Haveli following a closely contested election and disputes over the results.

READ: Final phase of AJK electoral process hits a snag

The District Returning Officer (DRO) Haveli had earlier issued the notification of PPP candidate Faisal Mumtaz Rathore’s victory under Form-27. Since then, allegations and counter-allegations of attacks on political workers further strained the situation.

Local sources said the latest violence in Hoter village had added a new dimension to the post-election unrest, prompting calls for the authorities to immediately intervene and prevent further clashes between rival political groups.

Police were reported to have initiated an investigation into the vandalism and theft allegations. Officials said action would be taken if anyone was found responsible on the basis of available evidence.

Residents of the area urged the administration and police to ensure impartial action against those involved and take effective measures to maintain law and order in Haveli.

Meanwhile, the PML-N and an independent candidate distanced themselves from the incident and denied any involvement in the vandalism.

READ MORE: AJK election outcome remains uncertain as re-polling ordered at 23 stations

Earlier, the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Election Commission (AJKEC) postponed polling in Rawalakot and Sudhnoti districts for the third phase of the 2026 general elections, citing a deteriorating law and order situation and security concerns, while allowing the electoral process to continue as scheduled in Bagh and Haveli districts.

The decision, announced only two days before the scheduled polling on August 10, marks a major development in the final phase of the electoral process and is expected to delay the completion of the elections in AJK.

Political observers described the postponement as one of the most significant developments of the ongoing election process, noting that the delayed polling could affect the timing of the completion of the electoral exercise and, consequently, the formation of the next government in AJK.

The Election Commission has appealed to political parties, candidates and voters to cooperate with state institutions, avoid spreading rumours and help maintain peace so that the remaining electoral process can be completed in a secure and transparent environment.