PML-N clinches nine of 13 AJK seats

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has secured a major victory in the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections, winning nine of the 13 seats in the Mirpur division, according to preliminary results.

The first phase of polling was held across the Mirpur division on Monday. The election was closely contested, particularly between the PML-N and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). However, the PML-N managed to establish a clear lead by winning most of the constituencies.

Preliminary election results showed that the PML-N secured nine seats, while the PPP won four constituencies.

The PML-N candidates emerged victorious in Dadyal, Khari Sharif, Barnala, Samahni, Bhimber, Nakyal, Sehnsa, Charhoi and Khuiratta. The party’s performance gave it a strong position in the division following an intense election campaign.

The PPP, meanwhile, managed to win four constituencies. Its successful candidates secured the key Mirpur seat, two seats in Kotli and another constituency in Chakswari.

Several constituencies witnessed closely fought contests. In LA-1 (Mirpur-I), PML-N candidate Azhar Sadiq secured victory after receiving 15,427 votes. His rival, Muhammad Afzal Shahid, received 9,832 votes.

Another tight contest was witnessed in LA-5 (Mirpur-I), where PML-N’s Waqar Ahmed Noor defeated PPP candidate Chaudhry Pervaiz Ashraf. Noor secured 29,821 votes, while Ashraf received 29,100 votes. The PML-N candidate won the seat by a narrow margin of 721 votes.

In LA-7 (Bhimber-III), PML-N candidate Tariq Farooq secured a more convincing victory. He received 37,613 votes, while former AJK prime minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq finished second with 25,534 votes.

The polling process was not without controversy. Reports of clashes and disturbances emerged from different areas during voting. Both the PML-N and PPP also exchanged allegations of electoral irregularities during the campaign and polling process.

The AJK elections are being conducted in three phases due to security considerations. With the first phase now completed in the Mirpur division, attention has shifted towards the remaining constituencies.

The second phase is scheduled for August 2. It will cover nine constituencies of the Muzaffarabad division as well as the 12 refugee constituencies.

The third and final phase will take place on August 10. Polling will be held in 11 constituencies of the Poonch division.