In the recent AJK Legislative Assembly elections, PML-N emerged as the dominant party, winning eight out of ten refugee constituencies. PPP secured two seats.
Islamabad, Pakistan Aug 3, 2026 ALN: The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) emerged as the leading party in the second phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections, securing eight of the 10 Pakistan-based refugee constituencies declared so far, according to unofficial and unconfirmed results. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) won two seats, while results for two constituencies were still awaited. This election is particularly significant as it reflects the political dynamics of AJK, a region that has been at the center of a longstanding territorial dispute between Pakistan and India.
Polling for eight constituencies in Muzaffarabad Division and 12 seats reserved for Jammu and Kashmir refugees settled in Pakistan concluded on Sunday. The electoral process in AJK is crucial not only for local governance but also for the representation of the Kashmiri diaspora who have been displaced due to the ongoing conflict in the region. Voting in Muzaffarabad Division was extended by one hour until 6:00 p.m. to facilitate voters, while polling at refugee polling stations across Pakistan ended at 5:00 p.m., after which vote counting began. This extension reflects the authorities' commitment to ensuring maximum voter participation, which is essential in a region where political engagement can lead to greater representation of the people's concerns.
However, polling in one Muzaffarabad Division constituency was postponed until August 4 after polling staff and election material failed to reach the station on time, according to official sources. Such logistical challenges are common in elections held in areas with difficult terrain and infrastructure issues, which can hinder the electoral process and affect voter turnout. The postponement also raises questions about the preparedness of the electoral authorities, which is critical for maintaining the integrity of the democratic process.
According to the unofficial results received so far, PPP candidates Majid Khan (LA-40 Valley-I) and Asim Ghaffar Lone (LA-41 Valley-II) secured victories. The PML-Nās winning candidates include Syed Shaukat Shah (LA-42 Valley-III), Raja Muhammad Siddique (LA-39 Jammu-VI), Ahmed Raza Qadri (LA-44 Valley-V), Muhammad Yasin Lone (LA-43 Valley-IV), Maryam Javed (LA-37 Jammu-IV), Zeeshan Ali (LA-38 Jammu-V), Ahsan Raza (LA-36 Jammu-III) and Chaudhry Ismail Gujjar (LA-35 Jammu-II). The results indicate a strong performance by PML-N in the region, which could have implications for the party's influence in future political scenarios.
In terms of voter engagement, voting in 41 polling stations in Constituency LA-XLV Kashmir Valley-VI was held peacefully on Sunday for the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The election saw a significant turnout, with out of 7,655 registered voters, 4,675 voters exercising their right of franchise in a free and transparent manner. This turnout reflects the community's desire to participate in the political process, despite the challenges posed by the region's political landscape.
As per official results issued by the regional election commissioner, a total of seven candidates contested the election in this constituency. Pakistan Peoples Party AJK candidate Abdul Majid Khan emerged victorious with 3,448 votes while Khwaja Dilawar of AJK Muslim Conference with 823 votes stood second and Abdul Hameed Butt of Jamat Islami AJK with 242 votes bagged third position. The polling in this constituency turned out to be 61.1%, indicating a healthy level of civic engagement among the electorate.
The Chief Election Commissioner of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Justice (R) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal, has said that polling was held peacefully in eight out of all nine electoral constituencies of Muzaffarabad Division, except LA-27 Muzaffarabad-I, where polling was postponed due to heavy rainfall and landslides. The mention of natural disasters impacting the electoral process underscores the vulnerability of the region to environmental challenges, which can disrupt not only elections but also the daily lives of residents.
Speaking to the media during visits to various polling stations in Muzaffarabad on Sunday, accompanied by Senior Member Election Commission Khawaja Muhammad Ahsan, Member Election Commission Syed Nazir-ul-Hassan Gilani, and Secretary Election Commission Raja Muhammad Shakeel Khan, the Chief Election Commissioner announced that polling in LA-27 Muzaffarabad-I will now be held on August 4. This decision aims to ensure that all eligible voters have the opportunity to participate in the electoral process, which is vital for the legitimacy of the elected government.
In a separate development, Azad Jammu Kashmir Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore took serious notice of the alleged attack on Acting AJK President Chaudhry Latif Akbar and directed the Chief Secretary and Inspector General of Police to ensure immediate arrest of the accused and prosecution of those involved. This incident raises concerns about political violence and security in the region, which can undermine the democratic process and deter voter participation in future elections.
The implications of the PML-N's victory in these elections could be far-reaching. A strong showing in AJK may bolster the party's position nationally, particularly as it seeks to strengthen its base in regions with significant political importance. Furthermore, the outcomes of these elections may influence the party's strategies in upcoming general elections in Pakistan, as they reflect the sentiments of a key demographic that has been historically affected by the Kashmir conflict.
Moreover, the elections in AJK are not just a local affair; they resonate on a broader scale, considering the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan over the Kashmir region. The political developments in AJK can have repercussions on the peace process and dialogue between the two nations. As such, the international community often watches these elections closely, as they may provide insights into the evolving political landscape of South Asia.
In conclusion, the recent AJK Legislative Assembly elections have highlighted the ongoing political dynamics within the region, showcasing the importance of voter participation and the challenges faced by electoral authorities. The PML-N's significant victories indicate a shift in political allegiances, while the incidents surrounding the electoral process raise concerns about security and governance. As the region moves forward, the implications of these elections will likely continue to influence both local and national politics, as well as the broader geopolitical context surrounding Kashmir.
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