MUZAFFARABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has taken an early lead in the first phase of the 2026 Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections, according to unofficial and provisional results released after polling in Mirpur Division.
The first phase of voting covered 13 constituencies across the districts of Mirpur, Kotli, and Bhimber. Initial results indicate that PML-N has secured five seats, while the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has won two seats, with vote counting continuing in the remaining constituencies.
According to unofficial complete results announced so far:
- LA-1 Mirpur: Azhar Sadiq (PML-N)
- LA-4 Mirpur: Chaudhry Rukhsar Ahmad (PML-N)
- LA-7 Bhimber: Chaudhry Tariq Farooq (PML-N)
- LA-9 Kotli: Umair Naeem (PML-N)
- LA-13 Kotli: Raja Ayaz Ahmad Khan (PML-N)
The Pakistan Peoples Party secured victories in:
- LA-2 Mirpur: Qasim Majeed (PPP)
- LA-3 Mirpur: Chaudhry Yasir Sultan (PPP)
Vote counting remains underway in several constituencies. According to preliminary unofficial trends, PML-N candidates are leading in LA-5 and LA-6, while PPP candidates hold an advantage in LA-8, LA-10, LA-11, and LA-12.
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The Election Commission said more than 1.4 million registered voters were eligible to cast ballots in the first phase. Polling was conducted at 2,454 polling stations, with security provided by police, Rangers, and other law enforcement agencies.
Chief Election Commissioner Justice (Retd.) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal said that despite a few isolated incidents, the overall polling process remained largely peaceful. He added that the remaining official results would be announced after the completion of vote counting.
The Election Commission confirmed that the second phase of polling will be held in Muzaffarabad Division on August 2, followed by the third and final phase in Poonch Division on August 10.
