PML-N takes early lead in AJK Polls

Polling in the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections ended on Monday

Polling in the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections ended on Monday after a day marked by political tensions, allegations of rigging and several security-related incidents across Mirpur Division.

Voting began at 8am and continued until 6pm after authorities extended polling hours by one hour. The first phase covered 13 constituencies in Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber districts.

The election saw a close contest between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and Pakistan Peoples Party. The Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party also remained in the race in several constituencies.

The most serious incident was reported in LA-9 Kotli-II, where PPP worker Mukhtar Younus was killed and two people, including his father, were injured in a firing incident.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari blamed PML-N candidate Sardar Umair Naeem for the incident. He alleged that Younus was killed in firing linked to the PML-N candidate and questioned why authorities had not acted earlier against alleged threats.

Bilawal said a video had reportedly surfaced two days before the incident showing Naeem and his associates allegedly firing weapons in public. He argued that timely action could have prevented the loss of life.

PPP AJK Election Cell in-charge Sardar Abdul Shakoor demanded immediate arrests and called for stronger measures to protect voters and political workers.

The PML-N rejected the PPP’s version of events. The party claimed that Younus had also been involved in its election campaign activities.

The incident came against the backdrop of earlier violence in Kotli. A PML-N activist was killed and two others were injured in a firing incident on July 10 while they were returning from an election campaign.

Polling disrupted at several stations

Voting was also suspended for the remainder of the day at three polling stations in Kotli and two in Bhimber following election-related incidents.

Officials said the possibility of re-polling would depend on whether the number of votes affected could change the final result.

In Bhimber’s Samahni tehsil, supporters of IPP candidate Ali Shan Soni allegedly took ballot boxes away from a polling station. Videos showing the alleged incident also circulated online.

Mirpur Commissioner Raja Tahir Mumtaz said a ballot box was later set on fire at another polling station. Police detained around 30 people in connection with the incident.

The PPP and PML-N exchanged allegations of electoral interference in several constituencies.

The PPP accused PML-N supporters of attempting to influence polling in LA-12 Kotli-V. It alleged that PML-N candidate Raja Riasat Khan entered polling stations with armed men.

The party also raised objections over alleged interference at polling stations in LA-8 Kotli-I and called on the Election Commission to investigate.

The PPP further complained that slow mobile phone services were affecting communication for voters, journalists and emergency responders.

PML-N, PPP trade rigging allegations

The PML-N also raised allegations of pre-poll and polling-day irregularities.

PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah alleged interference in LA-10 Kotli-III and claimed that PPP AJK President Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin was involved in alleged manipulation of the electoral process.

He demanded an investigation and said his party would not accept the constituency’s results until the allegations were examined.

The Election Commission separately confirmed that two presiding officers in Kotli had been arrested and suspended after reportedly failing to reach their assigned polling stations.

According to officials, the presiding officers had collected election material but went to a private residence instead of reporting to their designated polling stations.

An FIR was registered in connection with the matter, while replacement presiding officers were appointed and the election material was taken into official custody.

PPP leader Nadeem Afzal Chan rejected the PML-N’s allegations and instead accused the federal government of influencing the elections.

He claimed that government resources and development announcements were being used during the election period. He called for the federal administration to stay away from the electoral process and urged all parties to allow voters to make their choice freely.

Security tightened across Mirpur Division

Authorities deployed a large security force to maintain order during polling.

A total of 288 candidates contested the 13 constituencies. The Election Commission established 2,316 polling stations, including 1,241 classified as highly sensitive and 724 as sensitive.

More than 18,500 police and other law-enforcement personnel were deployed under a three-tier security arrangement.

Police formed the first security layer, while Rangers and the Federal Constabulary formed the second. The Pakistan Army provided the third layer and remained prepared to respond to emergencies.

Around 2,100 army personnel were also deployed, while Quick Response Force teams remained on standby.

AJK Inspector General of Police retired Captain Liaquat Ali Malik said the election remained largely peaceful despite a few incidents.

He described minor arguments and scuffles as common during closely contested elections but warned that anyone attempting to disrupt polling would face legal action regardless of political affiliation.

The AJK chief election commissioner had also warned before polling that strict action would be taken against anyone attempting to interfere with the electoral process.

Preliminary results show close race

Unofficial results indicated a competitive contest between the PML-N and PPP.

The PML-N was leading in LA-1 Dadyal with 8,271 votes and was also ahead in LA-7 Bhimber with 14,560 votes. The party was also leading in LA-5 Bhimber with 2,545 votes in the preliminary figures available at the time.

The PPP was leading in LA-2 Mirpur with 3,103 votes.

The results remained preliminary and unofficial, with counting and compilation continuing after polling ended.

The first phase is part of a three-stage election schedule adopted due to security concerns.

The second phase is scheduled for August 2 and will cover nine constituencies of Muzaffarabad Division and 12 refugee constituencies. The third phase will be held on August 10 in 11 constituencies of Poonch Division.

Bilawal and Nawaz clash over election campaign

The AJK election has also become a political contest between senior leaders of the PPP and PML-N.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif both participated in election campaigning before polling.

Nawaz criticised the PPP’s political record in Sindh during a campaign rally in Mirpur. He also contrasted Kashmir with Sindh districts carrying similar names.

Bilawal responded by saying people in both Kashmir and Sindh were unwilling to compromise on their rights.

The PPP also criticised the PML-N government’s announcement of electric buses and other development projects in AJK shortly before polling.

Bilawal argued that projects funded through public money should not be presented as personal gifts by politicians.

He said the people of Kashmir should have the right to governance, ownership and employment.