MUZAFFARABAD: Polling opened on Monday in the third phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections, with voting under way in the Bagh and Haveli districts of Poonch Division.

The round represents a crucial electoral test for Rathore and two former AJK prime ministers, making it one of the more closely watched phases of the staggered exercise.

Security has been a dominant concern: 803 polling stations across the two districts have been declared either sensitive or highly sensitive, with arrangements adjusted accordingly.

The vote comes as the outgoing PPP-led AJK government faces criticism from PML-N over its appointment of Public Service Commission members at this stage of the transition, with senior PML-N figures arguing that such appointments so late in the term invite questions.