The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has emerged as the biggest winner in the first phase of the 2026 Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections, securing nine out of 13 seats, according to unofficial and provisional results.
Polling took place across Mirpur, Kotli, and Bhimber districts, with voting concluding peacefully before ballot counting began. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) secured the remaining four seats, setting the stage for an intense contest in the remaining phases of the elections.
PML-N Takes Early Lead
The first phase delivered a strong performance for the ruling PML-N, which dominated most constituencies across the three districts.
According to unofficial results, the party won the following constituencies:
- LA-1 Mirpur-1
- LA-4 Mirpur-4
- LA-5 Bhimber-1
- LA-6 Bhimber-2
- LA-7 Bhimber-3
- LA-9 Kotli-2
- LA-11 Kotli-4
- LA-12 Kotli-5
- LA-13 Kotli-6
Meanwhile, the PPP claimed victories in:
- LA-2 Mirpur-2
- LA-3 Mirpur-3
- LA-8 Kotli-1
- LA-10 Kotli-3
Close Contests Across Several Constituencies
Several races were decided by relatively narrow margins.
In LA-5 Bhimber-1, PML-N candidate Waqar Ahmed Noor defeated PPP’s Chaudhry Pervaiz Ashraf by fewer than 700 votes, making it one of the closest contests of the day.
Another closely watched constituency, LA-9 Kotli-2, saw Umair Naeem of the PML-N defeat PPP candidate Javed Iqbal Budhanvi after a competitive vote count.
The PPP managed to hold its ground in key Mirpur and Kotli constituencies, including victories by Qasim Majeed, Chaudhry Yasir Sultan, Zafar Iqbal Malik, and veteran politician Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin.
Security Incidents Reported During Polling
Although polling remained largely peaceful, authorities confirmed two isolated security incidents.
Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said a family dispute resulted in a firing incident at one polling location, while another violent clash occurred in Nakyal, where one person lost their life.
Officials confirmed that six suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder investigation.
Sanaullah also alleged that a candidate in LA-6 entered a polling station and removed ballot boxes, prompting police to register a case and arrest the individual.
Government Calls Elections Free and Fair
Despite the reported incidents, Rana Sanaullah described the elections as free, fair, and transparent.
He praised the election administration and local authorities for ensuring smooth polling arrangements throughout Mirpur Division and congratulated all successful candidates on their victories.
Election officials are expected to release official results after completing the verification process.
Attention Turns to Remaining Election Phases
The first phase has given the PML-N significant momentum heading into the remaining stages of the AJK Legislative Assembly elections.
While the PPP managed to retain a presence with four seats, the coming phases will determine whether the PML-N can extend its advantage or whether opposition parties can narrow the gap before the assembly is fully formed.
