The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) secured a commanding lead in the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections, winning nine of the 13 constituencies in Mirpur Division, according to unofficial results released by the AJK Election Commission on Tuesday.
Polling in Mirpur Division was held on Monday as part of the three-phase election schedule, with voting taking place amid reports of scuffles, violence and allegations of rigging exchanged between the PML-N and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).
PML-N Dominates Mirpur Division
Based on preliminary Forms-26 and Forms-27 issued by the Election Commission, the PML-N emerged victorious in the following constituencies:
- LA-1 Mirpur-I (Dadyal) – Azhar Sadiq
- LA-4 Mirpur-IV (Khari Sharif) – Chaudhry Rukhsar Ahmed
- LA-5 Bhimber-I (Barnala) – Waqar Ahmed Noor
- LA-6 Bhimber-II (Samahni) – Chaudhry Razzaq
- LA-7 Bhimber-III (Bhimber) – Tariq Farooq
- LA-9 Kotli-II (Nakyal) – Umair Naeem
- LA-11 Kotli-IV (Sehnsa) – Raja Asif
- LA-12 Kotli-V (Charhoi) – Raja Riasat Khan
- LA-13 Kotli-VI (Khuiratta) – Raja Ayyaz Ahmad
PPP Secures Four Seats
The PPP won four constituencies, including the key Mirpur city seat:
- LA-2 Mirpur-II – Qasim Majeed
- LA-3 Mirpur-III (Chakswari) – Yasir Sultan
- LA-8 Kotli-I – Zafar Iqbal
- LA-10 Kotli-III – Chaudhry Yasin
Close Electoral Contests
Several constituencies witnessed closely fought contests.
In LA-5 Barnala, PML-N candidate Waqar Ahmed Noor defeated PPP’s Chaudhry Parvaiz Ashraf by a narrow margin, securing 30,259 votes against 29,574.
Similarly, in LA-9 Nakyal, PML-N’s Umair Naeem emerged victorious after defeating PPP candidate Javed Budhanvi in a closely contested race.
In LA-7 Bhimber-III, PML-N leader Tariq Farooq registered a comfortable victory over former AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq, receiving 37,613 votes compared to 25,534.
Elections Held in Three Phases
The AJK Legislative Assembly elections are being conducted in three phases due to security considerations.
- First Phase: Mirpur Division (completed)
- Second Phase: August 2 – Nine constituencies in Muzaffarabad Division and all 12 refugee constituencies.
- Third Phase: August 10 – Eleven constituencies in Poonch Division.
Election Commission’s Remarks
Following the completion of polling, the Chief Election Commissioner described the exercise as one of the most challenging elections in AJK’s history, citing security concerns and the tense political environment.
He acknowledged that isolated incidents can occur during elections but urged political parties to avoid exaggerating events without proper verification.
