AJK Elections: PML-N Dominates First Phase with 9 Wins, PPP Secures 4 Seats

The first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections has concluded, with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) emerging as the clear winner. According to unofficial and provisional results, the PML-N has secured 9 seats, while the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has won 4. The elections were held across 13 constituencies in Mirpur, Kotli, and Bhimber districts, with a total of 195 polling stations in LA-6 Bhimber-2 and 169 in LA-10 Kotli-3. PML-N candidates won in 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, and LA-13 Kotli-6. The PPP won in LA-2 Mirpur-2, LA-3 Mirpur-3, LA-8 Kotli-1, and LA-10 Kotli-3. Rana Sanaullah, adviser to the prime minister on political affairs, congratulated the winning candidates and praised the administration for their efforts in conducting the elections. He also acknowledged some security incidents, including a dispute and a murder case, but maintained that the elections were largely free and fair.