Election campaigning for the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly refugee constituencies in the Rawalpindi Division concluded on Friday, with the police finalising extensive security for the elections on Sunday amid protests in Rawalkot.

Authorities announced that the election code of conduct had come into full effect immediately after the close of campaigning. Officials warned that any candidate or supporter found canvassing on Saturday would face legal action.

Under the code, unauthorised persons will not be allowed inside polling stations, while polling camps have been prohibited within a 500-metre radius of polling premises. The carrying of firearms, mobile phones and cameras inside polling stations has also been banned.

Public rallies, demonstrations, protests, aerial firing and fireworks in the vicinity of polling stations have likewise been prohibited, with officials warning that any violation would result in immediate arrest and criminal proceedings.

Polling will be held from 8am to 5pm in three refugee constituencies—LA-43 Valley-IV, LA-44 Valley-V and LA-39 Jammu-VI.

A total of 34 candidates are contesting the three seats, which have a combined electorate of 27,907 voters, including 14,917 men and 12,990 women. LA-43 Valley-IV has 3,346 registered voters, comprising 1,750 men and 1,596 women, while LA-44 Valley-V has 3,804 voters, including 1,995 men and 1,809 women. The largest constituency, LA-39 Jammu-VI, has 20,807 registered voters, of whom 11,222 are men and 9,585 are women.

Across Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal and Murree, 175 polling stations have been established for the elections. More than 4,000 police officers and personnel will perform security duties, with 31 polling stations categorised as sensitive and placed under enhanced surveillance.

Candidates representing the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference, Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) and Jamaat-e-Islami are contesting the elections, while the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is boycotting the polls.

Meanwhile, Rawalpindi Police have finalised a dedicated security plan for the 100 polling stations located within Rawalpindi district. Of these, 18 have been placed in Category A, 45 in Category B and 37 in Category C, based on their security assessment.

Additional police personnel have been assigned to Category A polling stations, while CCTV cameras have been installed at sensitive locations.