Police form the first layer of security, followed by Pakistan Rangers and the Federal Constabulary, while the Pakistan Army serves as the third layer, according to Dawn.
Pakistan ‘s legislative assembly elections in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK) are taking place under an unprecedented security blanket, with thousands of police, paramilitary personnel and around 2,100 army troops deployed across the region. Polling for the 45 directly elected seats of the 53-member assembly is being conducted in three phases, with the first round covering 13 constituencies in Mirpur division. But rather than projecting stability, the polls have been overshadowed by weeks of protests, allegations of rigging, political boycotts and international concern over the treatment of demonstrators. The election comes after nearly two months of unrest that has left dozens dead, hundreds injured and sparked widespread criticism of Islamabad’s handling of the region. However, the political backdrop has shifted the focus away from the election itself, with rights groups and local organisations arguing that longstanding grievances have taken precedence over electoral politics.
Police form the first layer of security, followed by Pakistan Rangers and the Federal Constabulary, while the Pakistan Army serves as the third layer, according to Dawn. At night, bags will be filled with fake votes, and history will be presented by declaring the most controversial election a success,” the party said. Residents quoted in local media said public enthusiasm for the election had declined sharply, with many believing that basic rights and governance issues should be addressed before any electoral exercise.
Pakistan has deployed an extensive three-tier security arrangement for the election. Even before polling gathered pace, the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which has led the recent protest movement, alleged irregularities at several polling stations. In a series of posts on X, the group claimed signs of election rigging had already emerged in Mirpur Division. “The people have rejected the sham and unfair election At the Nangi polling station in Mirpur, police personnel are present, but the aggrieved public of voters has rejected the fake election.