AJK Elections 2026: PML-N Dominates Second Phase, Wins 13 of 17 Declared Seats۔
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) secured a commanding lead in the second phase of the 2026 Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) general elections, winning 13 of the 17 seats for which unofficial, provisional results have been announced.
The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) won the remaining four seats.PML-N candidates emerged victorious in constituencies including Neelum, Muzaffarabad and several refugee seats, while the PPP secured victories in four constituencies.
Polling in LA-1 Muzaffarabad and at several polling stations in LA-2 Lachhrat was postponed due to unavoidable circumstances. The Election Commission has scheduled fresh polling in these areas for August 4.
Polling for the second phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly Elections concluded on Sunday across various constituencies in Muzaffarabad Division, with the electoral process overshadowed by allegations of vote rigging and mismanagement exchanged between the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
The Election Commission extended polling by one hour in several constituencies due to bad weather and delays in the voting process. After the extended hours ended, polling was officially closed. Election officials said all arrangements for vote counting had been finalized and that official results would be announced in phases.
Bilawal Bhutto’s Statement
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari alleged in a post on X that the PML-N was attempting to influence the public mandate through the use of force. He warned that any compromise in the transparency of the electoral process could undermine public confidence in the democratic system.
Bilawal also claimed that a PPP worker was killed during election-related violence, although the claim has not yet been officially confirmed.
مسلم لیگ ن کے شرپسند عناصر کی جانب سے آزاد کشمیر میں وقار اور اصول پسندی کی سیاست کی علامت، صدرِ ریاستِ آزاد جموں و کشمیر چوہدری لطیف اکبر پر حملہ قابل مذمت ہے، چوہدری لطیف اکبر پر حملے کے بعد انہی کے انتخابی حلقے ایل اے 31 میں میرے کارکن مشتاق شاہ کو شہید کردیا گیا، گولی، لاٹھی…
— Bilawal Bhutto Zardari (@BBhuttoZardari) August 2, 2026
Meanwhile, senior PPP leader Qamar Zaman Kaira told a press conference in Muzaffarabad that the electoral process had been manipulated in some constituencies. He alleged that polling staff were held hostage and ballot papers were stamped unlawfully.
Kaira said a government formed through a disputed electoral process would struggle to gain public trust. He added that the PPP had opposed holding the elections in phases from the outset and had previously called for a postponement because of the law and order situation.
Bilawal also condemned the alleged attack on PPP leader Salahuddin Junejo in LA-31 Khawara, demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible.
Rana Sanaullah Responds
Responding to the allegations, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah rejected the PPP’s claims while addressing a public gathering. He said the opposition’s accusations were baseless and maintained that the election results would reflect the will of the people.
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Senior PML-N leader Marriyum Aurangzeb also reacted, saying the opposition’s complaints suggested it was already worried about its electoral performance.
"پاکستان مسلم لیگ (ن) کی سیکریٹری اطلاعات مریم اورنگزیب کا بیان"
•کسی کا رونا بتا رہا ہے کہ میر پور کے بعد مظفرآباد میں بھی شیر جیت رہا ہے
• او میرے بھائی الیکشن رونے سے نہیں جیتے جاتے ، الیکشن لڑنا پڑتا ہے
• میر پور میں الحمدللہ مسلم لیگ (ن) کی فتح کے بعد سے پیپلز پارٹی… pic.twitter.com/ptSRp3EXuq
— PMLN (@pmln_org) August 2, 2026
According to election officials, 207 candidates contested the nine constituencies of Muzaffarabad Division. Polling was also held for 12 reserved seats allocated to Kashmiri refugees residing in Pakistan, where 137 candidates were in the race.
