The PML-N has strengthened its position in the second phase of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections. According to unofficial results, the party won 14 of the 18 contested seats. Meanwhile, the PPP secured four seats in Sunday’s polling. The results further increased the PML-N’s advantage after its strong performance during the first election phase.
However, authorities postponed voting on two constituencies until Tuesday. Landslides and severe weather blocked roads and prevented polling staff and election materials from reaching the affected areas.
PML-N Dominates Second Phase
According to unofficial results announced by the Election Commission, the PML-N won 14 constituencies. The party secured victories across several refugee and territorial seats.
PML-N candidates won LA-34 through LA-39. Nasir Dar, Chaudhry Muhammad Ismail, Muhammad Ahsan Raza, Maryam Javed, Zeeshan Ali, and Raja Muhammad Siddique Khan secured those seats.
Furthermore, PML-N candidates won LA-41, LA-42, LA-43, and LA-44. Muhammad Amir Shah, Syed Shawkat Ali Shah, Muhammad Yasin Lone, and Ahmad Raza Qadiri emerged victorious.
The party also won LA-25, LA-30, LA-31, and LA-32. Ghulam Qadir, Mustafa Bashir Abbasi, Saqib Majeed Khan, and Raja Farooq Haider Khan secured those constituencies.
The PPP, meanwhile, won four seats. Amir Abdul Ghaffar Khan, Abdul Majid Khan, Mian Abdul Waheed Khan, and Sardar Mukhtar Ahmad Khan secured LA-40, LA-45, LA-26, and LA-29 respectively.
Polling Delayed on Two Seats
Authorities postponed polling on LA-27 Muzaffarabad-I and LA-28 Muzaffarabad-II. Landslides and bad weather blocked roads leading to the constituencies.
As a result, polling staff and election materials could not reach the affected locations. The Election Commission scheduled voting for both constituencies on Tuesday.
AJK elections are taking place in three phases because of security concerns. The second phase covered seven Muzaffarabad division seats and 12 refugee constituencies.
Meanwhile, the third phase will cover 11 constituencies in Poonch division.
PPP Raises Allegations of Election Irregularities
The PPP accused the PML-N of electoral malpractice, rigging, and violence during Sunday’s polling. The party had raised similar allegations after the first phase in Mirpur division.
The PML-N won nine of the 13 seats during that phase. Meanwhile, the PPP secured the remaining four constituencies.
During Sunday’s voting, reports emerged about attempts to disrupt polling in some Muzaffarabad neighbourhoods. Nevertheless, voting continued across most areas.
Clashes between PML-N and PPP workers also occurred in Union Council Katkair. The PPP alleged that its worker Syed Mushtaq Shah died during an attack by PML-N supporters.
However, the PML-N rejected the allegation. The party claimed Shah suffered cardiac arrest following a scuffle between rival groups. No independent source immediately confirmed either account.
AJK Speaker Claims Security Lapses
PPP candidate and AJK Legislative Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Latif Akbar also contacted the AJK chief election commissioner. He alleged security failures, firing incidents, and interference during polling.
Akbar further claimed that authorities prevented polling agents from entering stations. He also alleged that some voters could not exercise their right to vote.
Additionally, Akbar claimed an attempt targeted his life. He said Advocate Syed Mumtaz Hussain Naqvi suffered injuries during the incident.
The PPP leader demanded an investigation and legal action against those responsible. However, the Election Commission had not immediately responded to his allegations.
Meanwhile, reports indicated that clashes occurred in other areas as well. Some incidents reportedly involved firearms, although authorities had not immediately confirmed additional casualties.
Refugee Seats See Low Turnout
Kashmiris living outside AJK also voted for candidates contesting refugee constituencies. Authorities established polling stations across Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Islamabad.
Polling generally remained peaceful in these areas. However, turnout remained notably low.
In Mohmand, no voter reportedly visited the polling station established for the AJK election. Similarly, only one registered female voter cast her ballot at a polling station in Dera Ghazi Khan.
The 12 refugee seats cover different regions across Pakistan. Seven seats fall within Punjab, while others involve Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Balochistan, and Islamabad.
Protests Continue Over Refugee Seats
The election results come amid ongoing political tensions surrounding AJK’s refugee constituencies. Since early June, the now-proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) has held protests over the issue. The group has demanded the abolition of the 12 refugee seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly. Moreover, some demonstrations have witnessed violent incidents.
The PML-N’s latest results have given the party a clear advantage in the second phase. However, delayed polling on two seats means the final picture remains incomplete.
As voting continues on Tuesday, attention will now turn to the postponed constituencies. Meanwhile, allegations of electoral irregularities and concerns over violence could remain major issues in the final stages of the AJK election.
